Potes welcomes visitors with its stunning mountain backdrop and medieval charm. Conveniently, there is a large public parking area—unexpectedly free of charge, at least as of August 2018. From here, the first landmark in sight is the Church of St. Vincent, dedicated to one of Spain and Portugal’s most revered saints. St. Vincent, a martyr and a priest from the monastery in Zaragoza, is closely tied to Iberian religious history. Interestingly, Zaragoza itself owes its name to its Roman heritage—Caesar Augustus—just as Potes traces its name back to its Latin root, “Bridges” (Pontes), a reflection of its strategic position at the confluence of the Deva and Quiviesa rivers.

Potes’ history dates back to Roman times, when Pompey established it as a critical waypoint. Over centuries, as the rivers continued their course, new chapters of history were written. Not far from Potes, the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana rose during the Visigothic Kingdom’s early days, joining Rome, Jerusalem, and Santiago de Compostela as one of the few places offering full indulgences—complete absolution of sins.

In the 15th century, under the rule of Count Niño, the Church of St. Vincent was built. Whether it was named in honor of Portugal’s patron saint due to Count Niño’s love for Beatrice of Portugal or for another reason, the church became one of Potes’ most important landmarks. Built over four centuries, it stands as a testament to the town’s enduring faith, rich history, and deep-rooted connections to the greater Iberian world.