palace of Ferreria

Palacio de la Ferrería is a medieval fortified palace in the municipality of Nava, in the heart of Asturias, tucked into a chestnut forest at the foot of Mount Peñamayor. Combining the austerity of a Gothic tower with the later grandeur of a baroque-era facade, it has long drawn architecture enthusiasts and walkers looking for a quiet route away from the town centre.

Where does the name come from?

The name "Ferrería" refers to the building's former use — for a period it housed a forge producing bladed weapons, a common trade in a region with strong metalworking traditions. The core of the complex is a square tower built in the 14th century by the Álvarez de las Asturias family, one of the most powerful noble lineages of medieval Asturias. Built in stone masonry, the tower was later expanded over the following centuries, up to the 18th, with surrounding residential wings and a chapel.

What will you see there?

The Gothic-style tower still dominates the rest of the complex, rising visibly above the surrounding rooflines. The most recognisable feature of the main facade is a projecting balcony with a wrought-iron balustrade resting on stone corbels, alongside a large family coat of arms set beneath the eaves, breaking the line of the cornice that runs the length of the facade. A small stream and a forest of oak and chestnut trees surround the building, giving it a rural, picturesque setting despite its historical importance — on 11 June 1982 the palace was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, and in 1993 it received the status of Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural).

How do you get there?

The easiest starting point is the former Balneario de Fuensanta spa building, in Fuentesanta, a spot known for its prized mineral waters and located about 2.8 km from central Nava. Visitors leave the car at the Fuensanta car park and take the wide, flat path to the right, which winds through a forest of chestnut and oak trees. After a walk of under ten minutes, crossing a small river along the way, the path ends right in front of the palace — one of the simplest and most accessible walking routes near Nava.

When should you visit?

Since most of the route runs through shaded forest, it works well even in warmer months. Spring and autumn are the best times to see the vegetation around the palace at its most picturesque, with temperatures that make walking pleasant. Morning hours are worth planning for, as the light falls well on the stone facade and the family crest.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the palace? No — the building is privately owned and still used as a residence, so visits are limited to viewing the facade and surroundings from outside.

How long is the walk from the car park? The walk from the Fuensanta car park to the palace takes about ten minutes along a wide, flat forest path.

Where does the palace's name come from? From the former "ferrería" — a forge that produced bladed weapons and operated on the site for a period of its history.

Are there other things to see nearby? Yes, the walk starts at the former Balneario de Fuensanta spa building, known for its mineral waters, making it easy to combine the walk with some time spent in that area.