La Arquera lies on the Ruta de Indianos between Mallecina and Malleza. The village combines this position along the route with a partially protected building, traces of a former chapel, trees at Campo de la Soledad and festival programmes. For travellers interested in culture and landscape, this offers several points of interest rather than just one topic. The route, architectural history, former communal use and festival events can be considered separately and weighed according to your own interests.

Ruta de Indianos: route sequence and landscape

The Ruta de Indianos passes through Salas, Villamar, Camuño, Priero, Mallecina, La Arquera, Malleza, La Granja, La Barraca and Gallinero. Within this sequence, La Arquera lies between Mallecina and Malleza. From La Granja, the route descends through dense forest into the valley of the River Aranguín. La Arquera lies between Mallecina and Malleza; from La Granja, the route descends through dense forest into the valley of the River Aranguín. This distinction is useful when planning if you want to understand the course of the Ruta de Indianos. Check route conditions and signage before setting out.

Buildings and traces of local history

The San Juan Bautista de La Arquera building is located at the junction of Carretera 630 and the road to La Arquera. It is one of Salas’s partially protected buildings. Its position at the junction makes it a specific landmark for architectural history. Only traces remain of the former chapel in La Arquera, which was dedicated to the Virgen de la Soledad. Thus, a partially protected building and the remains of a former chapel represent two different ways in which architectural history can be seen in the village.

Some trees from La Arquera’s formerly communal oak grove remain at Campo de la Soledad. They point to a communally used landscape and add another perspective on local history alongside the architectural traces. The name Soledad appears in two contexts: in the chapel’s dedication to the Virgen de la Soledad and in Campo de la Soledad. Taken together, these references show that local history is rooted not only in buildings, but also in the landscape and named places of remembrance.

Festivals in La Arquera

The Fiesta de Nuestra Señora la Virgen de la Soledad was held in La Arquera. The programme included an open-air Mass, bollo con chorizo and a communal meal, as well as evening dances, traditional games and a local football match. The programme combined a religious occasion with food and shared activities. The Fiesta del Maíz was also held in La Arquera. If you would like to combine your trip with a festival, check the current local programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Jarrio, Quejo, Pruneda, Avilés, Lloroñi, El Vallín, Folgueras, Muñón Cimero

For the main travel overview: Asturias.