Background
The Principality of Asturias holds land planning responsibilities over its territory. In 2006, the University of La Coruña was asked to prepare the "Catalogue of rural villages of the Principality of Asturias".

Character of the classification
The cataloging is introduced into the Asturian legal context for the first time through Law 3 / 2002 on the exercise of autonomous powers in the field of land planning.
The different categories that fit the villages determine different degrees of protection.

Objectives of the classification  
The aim of the catalog is the preservation of morphological structures in which cultural values are obvious, as well as environmental and heritage values​​. The classification should provide a stimulus for the development of rehabilitation practices.