Aula de la Naturaleza y Centro Interpretación de la Palloza de Ibias

Aula de la Naturaleza y Centro Interpretación de la Palloza de Ibias is a small educational and ethnographic centre in the village of San Antolín, in the municipality of Ibias, in western Asturias. It sits within the Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias Natural Park and combines a nature classroom with a reconstruction of a traditional rural dwelling known as a palloza.

What is this place?

The centre has two parts. The first, the Aula de la Naturaleza (nature classroom), holds a permanent exhibition on the natural environment and ethnography of the area, showing past village life through everyday objects, local stories, and educational displays. It was built mainly for school groups and environmental organisations, but it is open to independent travellers as well. The same building also houses the Ibias municipal tourism office.

Right next to it stands the Palloza — a reconstructed traditional dwelling with a circular or oval floor plan, thick stone walls built without mortar, and a roof thatched with rye straw. This building style dates back to the Castro culture and was, for centuries, typical of mountain villages in this part of Asturias. The rebuilt palloza gives visitors a direct sense of how earlier generations in the region actually lived.

Where exactly is it?

The centre stands in San Antolín (postal code 33810), roughly 400 metres from the San Antolín de Ibias recreational area, a popular local spot with green space that pairs naturally with a visit here.

When can you visit?

The site is open seasonally, from July 1 to September 30, Thursday through Sunday, from 10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 18:30. Hours can vary outside this window, so it is worth calling ahead to confirm before you arrive. Admission is free.

Can you bring a dog?

Pets are not allowed inside the building, but the outdoor terraces are accessible, so you can wait there with a leashed dog while others visit inside.

Who is it for?

This is a worthwhile stop for anyone travelling through western Asturias with an interest in rural culture, traditional building techniques, and the natural park's landscape. Because the exhibition is designed with schools in mind, it also works well as a family stop — a short visit is enough to get an accessible introduction to the region's history without a long detour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, admission to both the Aula de la Naturaleza and the Palloza is free.

When is the centre open? During the summer season, from July 1 to September 30, Thursday to Sunday, 10:00-14:00 and 15:00-18:30. Outside this period it is best to call 615 164 329 to confirm current hours.

What is a palloza? It is a traditional type of rural dwelling with a circular or oval shape, stone walls, and a rye-straw roof, characteristic of the mountainous areas of western Asturias and rooted in the region's Castro-era building traditions.

Can I bring my dog? Dogs are not permitted inside the building, but they can stay with you on the outdoor terraces of the facility.