Mayor of Barcelonaa picturesque town in Cantabria, stands out for its beauty and excellent state of conservation. Located in a valley next to the Argoza riverThe place has remained virtually unchanged since its declaration Historical and artistic ensemble in 1979. With less than a hundred inhabitants, the town is ideal for a rural getaway in September according to National Geographicwhere visitors can enjoy a car-free environment, strolling its cobbled streets and admiring the mountain architectureThe beautifully renovated houses feature ornate balconies and traditional archways, and the Highland Baroque-style church provides added appeal.
From the stone bridge in the center of town, visitors can access the trails that lead to the Saja-Besaya Natural Parkthe largest beech forest in Cantabria. This 24,000-hectare park is famous for its deciduous forests and its splendid autumn spectacle. In addition to nature, Bárcena Mayor is known for its gastronomy, especially the mountain stew, a traditional dish that can be enjoyed at the La Solana restaurant. The area also offers viewpoints such as La Cardosa, ideal for observing wildlife and the changing landscape depending on the season of the year.
Bárcena Mayor, a journey to the heart of Cantabria
Bárcena Mayor, located in the Argoza River Valley, in the municipality of Los Tojos (Cantabria)is located at an altitude of 495 meters and has 80 inhabitants. In the Middle Ages, the Cabuérniga Valley, then known as Kaornega, was made up of small nuclei around monasteries that ruled over their lands.
In 1168, Alphonse VIII He ceded ownership of the Church of Santa Águeda de Bárcena Mayor to the Monastery of Cardeña and, over time, the lands passed into the hands of large feudal lords, such as the Casa de la Vega. Bárcena Mayor depended on the Dukes of Infantado until it formed its own municipal council in the 19th century.
Places of interest
Situated on the banks of the Argoza River, this enclave between hills features traditional mountain architecture unchanged since the 17th century. Its two-story houses, with arcades that serve as storage on the ground floor and living quarters on the upper floor, are emblematic. Some arcades are protected by wooden doors, while others have cut stone arches, indicative of noble residences. The Presbyterywith its stone shield and sundial, is a must-see in the city.
THE St. Mary’s Churchin the mountain baroque style and built in the 17th century, has five altarpieces, including one baroque. In the square, the washhouse and the drinking trough evoke the ethnographic past of the city, although they have lost their original use.
He bridge over the Argoza riverbuilt in the 19th century after a flood, offers spectacular views and is the starting point for hiking trails in the Saja-Besaya Natural Park, such as the GR-71 and the PR-S 114, as well as the Puertos de Fuentes route, which starts from the PR-S 113.
Festivals and gastronomy
THE parties in Bárcena Mayor are vibrant, highlighting the Feast of Our Lady of Carmen on July 16, with pilgrimages, fireworks, games and parties, and the Feast of the Virgen del Moral, which draws shepherds with their decorated livestock the following weekend on August 15.
Its gastronomy, focused on game meat, includes venison, roe deer and wild boar sausages, pâté toasts and croquettes. mountain stewwith beans, chorizo, black pudding, bacon and cabbage, is the star dish.
Santillana del Mar
Less than an hour’s drive from Bárcena Mayor is Santillana del Mar, one of the the most beautiful cities in northern spain. Known as the “village of three lies” because it is neither holy, nor flat, nor sea, it offers a unique experience that combines history, culture and natural beauty.
The city for its narrow streets, its Mayor’s Square and for the combination of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. A highlight is the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, an impressive example of 12th-century Romanesque architecture, declared a National Monument in 1889. Likewise, the historic centre of Santillana del Mar is full of palaces and stately homes that evoke bygone eras.
Don’t miss the National Museum and Research Center of Altamirawhich houses a replica of prehistoric caves and offers a fascinating insight into the lives of our ancestors. Booking in advance is advisable.
The fountains scattered around the historic center are a remarkable element that helps combat the heat in summer. In addition, the Torture Museumwith an extensive collection of musical instruments from the time of the Inquisition, is one of the main tourist attractions of Santillana del Mar.
In short, Mayor of Barcelona It is a city that stands out for its mountain architecture, its unspoiled nature and its rich gastronomic and festive tradition, ideal to visit in September.
