The Barquería of the Castle

The keep of the Castle in Soto del Barco was a medieval fort built to defend the inhabitants of the area before the invasions of the northern peoples, who attacked by sea. Even in modern times, there is a barge service to transport passengers and goods from one bank of Nalón to the other. It is a stopping point for pilgrims to Compostela, who once had to take a boat to cross the river.