Potes: a medieval town in the Picos

After four days of extreme hiking, we were more than ready for a day off.

We could have simply made excuses and wimped out.  But there was no need.  We were rescued by the weather.   A welcome rainy day provided a legitimate excuse to seek a non-hiking option, and luckily there was a very good one nearby.  Potes, a well-preserved medieval village, was just up the road from our new home base in Espinama.

Let it rain....we will explore Potes

The River Deva

Potes is old in a way that is almost incomprehensible to Canadians. (Once upon a time, I recall being very impressed that an Edmonton friend lived in a really old house --built 40 years ago!)   But Potes was already experiencing a building boom in the 9th century when the Romans took advantage of its strategic location at a confluence of four valleys and two rivers.

A former mill on the Deva

A very old wall spans a very old street

Most of the buildings that now give the town its character, however, date from the 15th century and later.  Their exteriors appear largely unchanged, so what remains is a picturesque, historic little town. And it is little. Only 1,500 people live here.   

Nevertheless, the information bureau in the main square is huge -- an indication of just how many tourists love authentic rustic charm.

Potes on a rainy day

Medieval "row houses"-- still occupied.

Potes is no living history museum, however.  Wander through the narrow, twisty streets and you will be walking where the locals live, shop and do business.  These residents must surely feel annoyed that nosey tourists unabashedly gawk and take photographs of their private spaces.  Unless they own a cafe or souvenir shop, that is.

Tiny shops on tiny streets

Because after we have peered around every corner, admired every flowery window box, and walked down every cobblestone lane, that is where we will be hanging out, avoiding the rain while we wait for the bus.

We watched a standoff between a Mercedes and a BMW at this narrow corner.  The Mercedes won.