Monte Naranco is a small mountainous area that is close to the major city of Oviedo, it is often described as a mountain range, but it would probably be perceived as an extensive hilly area by the British and Americans. It is popular with visitor who have an interest in walking and hiking and those who want a break from the city. There are nearly always people walking on the path and it is popular with locals.The highest point of Monte Naranco is the Paisano Peak (Picos del Paisano) which is over 630 metres above sea level. The range covers a small area close to the district of Naranco and extending to the villages of Lloriana and Villaperi whilst the river Nora runs close by. (It also has a large and famous statue, see below.)Historically Monte Naranco has thrown up a number of ancient artefacts that suggest the former presence of Roman settlements and there is physical evidence of fortresses being present on some of the lower peaks. In the past this area was subjected to a number of foreign attacks, but the terrain and the resistance of the local people meant that it was always able to remain independent.
