Bárcena de Pie de Concha: Romanesque Architecture, Nature and Historic Routes

In Bárcena de Pie de Concha, Roman road history, Romanesque architecture and a rugged landscape along the Besaya come together. The Calzada Romana del Valle del Besaya formed part of the Roman road Vía «Legio VII Gemina Ad Portus Bledium», which connected the present-day cities of León and Suances. In Bárcena de Pie de Concha, the route was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 2002.

When comparing holiday apartments in Bárcena de Pie de Concha, you can take the travel period, room category and cancellation conditions into account on the respective offer page. The different themes of the area – routes, nature, architecture, festivals and riverbanks – can be matched to your own travel plans.

Culture

The Church of San Cosme and San Damián is a rural Romanesque building from the first half of the 12th century. It has a nave and a semicircular apse. Its cornice preserves various corbels; there is also a Romanesque triumphal arch with artistically carved capitals depicting lions facing each other and hooded balls.

The church also contains a seated Gothic representation of the Virgin and Child from the 13th century. Other buildings in the area include the Casona de Collantes, one of the notable regionalist houses from the early 20th century in Bárcena de Pie de Concha. La Chozuca was built in 1924 and stands at the entrance to the village.

History

The Calzada Romana del Valle del Besaya descends to Pie de Concha, where it disappears at a small square. The paving has been preserved along most of its route, and the route can be walked. The Camino Real de Las Hoces is designated as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category in the municipalities of Bárcena de Pie de Concha and Pesquera. Its section preserved in its original condition runs from Bárcena de Pie de Concha to El Ventorrillo de Pesquera.

Another historic connection is the Camino Real de Reinosa a Santander. It was built between 1749 and 1753; construction work began in Bárcena de Pie de Concha. The different routes therefore vary in their Roman or modern origins, their course and their designated status.

Nature

Bárcena de Pie de Concha is crossed by the Besaya River and lies in a rugged landscape with meadows as well as beech, oak, birch and chestnut forests. The Hoces de Bárcena are gorges with striking red sandstone formations from the Triassic period. Parts of the gorges are covered by native oak forests and planted pine forests; they are of both natural and scenic interest.

The Montabliz Forest contains centuries-old oaks and beech trees as well as birches, ash trees and chestnuts. There are also pine trees planted by people, which are integrated into the ecosystem. The 1,288-metre-high Pico Jano is located in the municipality.

The PR-S 41 Ruta del Pico Jano is a circular route with an ascent starting from Bárcena de Pie de Concha. In a section of the Besaya River within the municipality, fishing is permitted freely, with trout being the predominant fish species.

Festivals and Activities

The San Pedro festival is celebrated in the village of Bárcena on 29 June. The festival includes cultural, sporting, gastronomic and children's activities. The traditional Feria de Mayo, a livestock market, takes place on the first Saturday in May in Bárcena de Pie de Concha.

Other Places

Other places in the selection: Guardamino, La Lastra, Valdáliga, Pesaguero, Potes, Castro-Urdiales, Arredondo, Alfoz De Lloredo.

Getting There

Bárcena de Pie de Concha can be reached via the Autovía de la Meseta (A-67), by train or via the N-611 between Santander and Palencia.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cantabria.