Palaciu del Navariegu

Palaciu del Navariegu is a stone manor house dating from the 17th century, standing in the small village of Arangas, in the parish of Arenas, within the Asturian council of Cabrales, right on the eastern edge of the Picos de Europa National Park.

Where is Palaciu del Navariegu located?

The building stands in Arangas, a small mountain village that belongs to the municipality of Cabrales, an area best known for producing cabrales cheese and for a centuries-old yew tree nearby (Tejo de Arangas), which is protected as a local natural landmark. Arangas sits along the walking route that connects the village of Alles with Carreña de Cabrales, the municipal capital, making the area a natural stop for visitors exploring the Picos de Europa on foot or by car. In the heritage records kept by the Cabrales council, the building also appears under the name Casona de Navariegu, alongside another historic manor in the same village, the Casona del Santón.

What does the building look like, and when was it built?

The palace was built in the 17th century as a typical regional stone casona, laid out on a rectangular plan across two storeys. In its original form the building followed a fairly simple, symmetrical design: the lower level had two arrow slits (saeteras) and two windows, while the upper floor featured three square windows arranged symmetrically, with carved family coats of arms placed between them. The presence of arrow slits points to the defensive character of the original construction, a common feature of Asturian noble manor houses from an era when wealthy families combined residential use with basic fortification elements. Over the centuries the building has undergone numerous alterations, and its current appearance differs considerably from the original 17th-century design.

Can visitors go inside Palaciu del Navariegu?

The building forms part of the village's private architectural heritage and does not operate as a museum or a paid attraction — most of what is known about it comes from the cultural heritage records of the Cabrales council and from descriptions of regional hiking routes. Visitors can view the palace from the outside while walking through Arangas, ideally combining the stop with other points of interest in the village, such as the historic yew tree and the local cheese dairy. Because the site sits within a small residential settlement, visitors should be mindful of privacy and avoid entering the property itself.

Why include Arangas on a Picos de Europa itinerary?

Arangas is one of those Asturian villages that has kept an unpolished, authentic mountain character. Besides Palaciu del Navariegu, it is worth noting the second historic manor in the village, Casona del Santón, as well as the surrounding hills that form the foothills of the Picos de Europa. It makes for a good stop on a longer hiking or driving route through eastern Asturias, especially for travellers interested in rural architecture and local food culture, including the region's famous cabrales cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Palaciu del Navariegu located? In the village of Arangas, parish of Arenas, municipality of Cabrales, Asturias, close to the boundary of the Picos de Europa National Park.

How old is the building? The casona dates from the 17th century, built as a stone noble residence on a rectangular plan with two storeys.

Has the building kept its original appearance? No — it has gone through numerous alterations over the centuries and now looks considerably different from its original, symmetrical 17th-century design.

Is it possible to go inside Palaciu del Navariegu? The building is private village heritage and is not set up for public visits — it can only be viewed from the outside.