Gillón brings together two themes for planning a trip: the hórreos of Casa Guerra and Pimpanín, and the Church of Santa María, each distinguished by specific architectural and artistic features. For the Pico Caniellas–Altos de Morteiro circular hike starting in Gillón, a description published in 2021 gives a distance of 15.5 kilometres and a walking time of 6 hours and 45 minutes, excluding breaks. Cultural history and a long day of hiking can therefore be weighed as different priorities.
Hórreos of Casa Guerra and Pimpanín
The hórreos of Casa Guerra and Pimpanín form part of Asturias’s architectural heritage. One description notes that the hórreo at Casa Guerra has a Baguna roof made of broom and rye straw; the roofing materials may have changed since then. The hórreo also preserves an original door dating from approximately the second half of the 16th century. Check the current condition of these historic features on site.
On the west façade of the Casa Guerra and Pimpanín ensemble, two openwork six-lobed rosettes can be seen serving as ventilation openings. Their design combines an architectural detail with a clearly stated function.
Santa María de Gillón: Architecture and furnishings
The Church of Santa María de Gillón brings together architectural features and works of art from several centuries. The presbytery retains a pointed barrel vault dating from the 14th to 15th centuries. The main chapel contains a relief of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary, created by Manuel de Ron in the first quarter of the 18th century. The side altarpieces date from around 1775 and are works by the sculptor Melchor Blanco. The span of time represented therefore ranges from the vault to the 18th-century altarpieces. Check the condition of the vault on site.
Hiking: Assessing distance and time
The Pico Caniellas–Altos de Morteiro circular hike starts in Gillón. A description from 2021 gives a distance of 15.5 kilometres and a walking time of 6 hours and 45 minutes, excluding breaks. Distance and walking time answer two different planning questions: How long is the route, and how much walking time is given? Breaks are explicitly not included in the duration. Allow extra time for them and check current trail conditions before setting out.
An older report on a hiking route to Pico Caniellas names Gillón as both the starting and ending point. As the report is older, check trail conditions before hiking.
Braña Chauchina and the landscape
Braña Chauchina is part of Gillón. A report from 2023 mentions two huts and a spring there. Check the condition of the huts and spring before your visit.
In the broader regional context, Fuentes del Narcea, Degaña e Ibias Natural Park includes the headwaters of the Gillón River. The GR.AS-203 trail leads to a small rest area with excellent views of the Gillón valley. Check current trail conditions and the condition of the rest area before your trip. The natural park and the trail offer different points of interest: headwaters on the one hand, and a specific rest area with valley views on the other.
Discover more destinations
Llerices, Jalón, Monasterio De Hermo, Oballo, Castañal, Genestoso, Carballo, Palacio De Naviego
For the main travel overview: Cangas Del Narcea.
