Besaya Valley. The Romanesque Route

Approximate distance: 50 km

Setting off from La Casona de los Güelitos towards Puente San Miguel, take the A-8 towards Torrelavega, where this route begins. It will lead you through the villages of Cartes, Riocorvo, Santa María de Yermo, Bostronizo, Arenas de Iguña, Silió, Bárcena de Pie de Concha, and Reinosa.

This route, starting in Torrelavega, capital of the Besaya Valley and Cantabria’s second most important city, is known as the Romanesque Route due to its historical importance as a transit route during Roman times and the many Romanesque monuments found along the way.

The journey combines rich history with beautiful mountainous landscapes and winding roads full of charm.

In Cartes, you begin along the historic Camino Real, which once connected Santander with the Castilian plateau. This village, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, features towers, wooden balconies, arches, and family crests. Its unique atmosphere even inspired Benito Pérez Galdós in his novel Marianela.

Continuing along the Camino Real, you will reach Riocorvo, a village with similar characteristics, where 17th- and 18th-century manor houses line a single street. Nearby stands the 13th-century Church of Santa María de Yermo, one of the oldest monasteries in the region and the first Romanesque monument on the route.

Before reaching the next Romanesque site, the Church of San Juan de Raicedo in Arenas de Iguña, you will discover hidden among the mountains the Mozarabic Hermitage of San Román de Moroso in Bostronizo.

In Silió, you can experience La Vijanera, one of Cantabria’s most traditional festivals, held on the first Sunday of the year—a unique and vibrant celebration.

In Bárcena de Pie de Concha, take time for a pleasant walk, visit the Romanesque Church of San Cosme and San Damián, and explore the Roman road that leads to Pesquera.

A must-see is the Collegiate Church of San Pedro in Cervatos, part of the Camino de Santiago, famous for its richly decorated façade with archivolts, animal carvings, and sculpted corbels.

You should also not miss the spectacular preserved stretch of Roman road between Somaconcha and Pie de Concha, about 5 km long, which once connected the Roman city of Julióbriga, in the Campoo Valley, with Portus Blendium, now the town of Suances.

A route full of history, culture, and timeless landscapes.