Once serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias, Pravia lies on the left bank of the Nalon River in Spain’s far north. It centres around an atmospheric historic core dotted with centuries-old homes and palaces while being on the doorstep of one of the oldest pre-Romanesque churches in Asturias.
Things to do in Pravia
In the historic heart of Pravia is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, which features a richly decorated interior with a magnificent altarpiece and organ. It watches over the leafy trails of Parque Sabino Moutas, where you’ll find a children’s playground and benches for watching the world go by.
Also on the edge of the park is the Palacio de Moutas, an elegant palace that centres around a pretty patio. It was once the seat of Asturian nobles and now functions as a wedding and event venue. Another architectural monument not to miss is the Azucarera de Pravia, an impressive sugar factory that dates from the turn of the 20th century.
A short drive north of Pravia is the Church of San Juan Apostol y Evangelista, a pre-Romanesque building founded in the 8th century by King Silo of Asturias. Occupying its old rectory is the Pre-Romanesque Museum where you’ll find excavated artefacts and models of this Site of Cultural Interest. Of particular note is the church’s foundation stone known as the “Acrostic of Silo”, which is inscribed with the Latin phrase “Silo Princeps Fecit”.
Getting around Pravia
Pravia is around 30 minutes’ drive from Aviles and 15 minutes from Asturias Airport, which has flights to destinations across Spain. Trains connect from Oviedo to the Pravia railway station and buses travel through the town. The centre of Pravia can easily be explored on foot.