Potes is located in a strategic location: at the point where the two rivers of Liébana meet: the Deva and its tributary the Quiviesa. There is little trace of prehistoric occupation in the region, but the Romans who knew the power of strategic site, and named it Pontes. A village was founded in the 8th century, under Alfonso I of Asturias. Potes appeared for the first time in a document written in 847, the document mentions the parish church and the town. Later in the 10th century, thanks to its booming economy, Potes becomes the administrative centre of the Comarca of Liébana. Potes was considered a city from the 13th century and received royal favour.