Pedro Pidal' Visitor Centre

Title Cangas de Onís Eastern Asturias
Address Address: Lagos de Covadonga ■ 33589 - Cuadonga/Covadonga
Phone 985 848 614
Email Email: gpicos@pnpeu.es

The centre bears the name of the driving force behind the National Parks Act of 1916, who was responsible for the first park being the Montaña de Covadonga in 1918, the predecessor of the Picos de Europa National Park.

Info

The Pedro Pidal Visitor Centre is located in the vicinity of the Covadonga Lakes. To get there you have to arrive at the Buferrera car park, to the left of Lake Enol, and take the pedestrian access that starts at the end of the upper platform.

In the reception area of the centre there is a space dedicated to the life and history of Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, a multifaceted and adventurous character, a great connoisseur of these mountains and ahead of his time. The centre is divided into seven sections: Reception, Pedro Pidal, The Picos de Europa, Man in the Picos de Europa, Audiovisual Room, The National Parks Network, Bookshop-Shop.

The Picos de Europa. The scenographic method has been used. A stream of water guides us through an interesting imaginary journey through nature in the Picos de Europa: caves, high mountain areas, mixed forests, beech and oak woods. It is a concentrated reproduction of reality in great detail, including limestone relief, water outlining the rocks, trees, more than fifty species of fauna and a host of sound and visual effects that make this representation of the natural world almost real.

Man in the Picos de Europa. Panels and interpretative tables show the important role of man in these mountains, adapting his way of life to the difficult landscape of the Picos de Europa. Everything revolves around livestock farming and the use of the mountain pastures: huts, livestock, tools, the cheese-making process, etc...

Audiovisuals. Two 15-minute audiovisuals are shown alternately, a slide show with 3D images and a video, which offer a more plastic and attractive view of the Picos de Europa, while at the same time introducing us to the history of the National Park. The National Parks Network. Through interactive panels, visitors have access to all the Spanish National Parks and to the whole of the Network. Outside, there is an arboretum with native species, as well as a Mining Museum (Buferrera).

The Park has an environmental education programme for schoolchildren. Field booklets are available.

Guided tours:
Groups (maximum 50 pax): by prior reservation and out of high season.
Educational community (maximum 50 pupils): visit to the IC, the surroundings of the Lakes and the old Buferrera Mine.