There is an area in the reception centre given over to the life and history of Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa, a versatile and adventurous figure, an expert on these mountains and a man ahead of his time.
The centre is divided into seven sections: Reception Area, Pedro Pidal, the Picos de Europa, Man in the Picos de Europa, Media Room, the National Parks Network, Shop and Bookshop.
The Picos de Europa. A scenographic method is employed here. A stream of water leads the visitor along an interesting tour of images of nature in the Picos de Europa: caves, high mountain areas, mixed forests and beech and oak woods. It is a concentrated reproduction of reality in great detail, including the limestone relief, water shaping the rocks, trees, over fifty species of wildlife and a host of sound and visual effects that make this representation of the natural world almost real.
Man in the Picos de Europa. Through interpretive panels and tables, the important role of man in these mountains is shown, adapting the different ways of life to the difficult environment of the Picos. Everything revolves around livestock and the use of mountain pastures: huts, livestock, tools, the process of making cheese and so on.
Media Room. Two audio-visual projections lasting around 15 minutes are screened alternatively, in addition to a slideshow with 3D images and a video, all of which provide the most visual and attractive view of the Picos de Europa, as well as introducing visitors to the history of the National Park.
The National Parks Network. Via interactive displays, visitors have access to all of Spain's national parks and the Network as a whole.
Outside, there is an arboretum with native species, as well as a Mining Museum (Buferrera).
