Vispieres: Camino del Besaya, Monte El Castillo and History

Vispieres is a place where paths, elevated views and inherited history stand closely side by side. On the 19.770-kilometre stage from Santillana del Mar to Los Corrales de Buelna of the Camino del Besaya–Calzada romana, Vispieres is one of the stops along this route. The ascent to Monte El Castillo also begins here. From the summit, panoramic views extend across the central Cantabrian coast. Those wishing to explore the place thematically can consider the stage length, the ascent and the coastal view as distinct approaches alongside one another.

Nature

Monte El Castillo gives Vispieres a clear landscape-related character. Its summit connects the starting point of the ascent with the panorama over the central Cantabrian coast. Different route formats help you organise your daily plans around the available information without reducing the place's themes to just one activity.

Culture

Vispieres is associated with the Viejuca de Vispieres, a benevolent witch-like figure from Cantabrian mythology. The Cave of Altamira, a prehistoric archaeological site with Palaeolithic paintings, provides another cultural connection. The depictions include bison, horses, deer and wild boar, among others. Altamira is geographically connected with Vispieres, Santillana del Mar and Cantabria. For planning purposes, these focal points can be understood as different thematic lines: landscape and route, mythology or early cultural history.

History

A Roman road ran through Vispieres between Julióbriga (Retortillo) and the Portus Blendium (Suances). At the same time, the origin of the settlement may lie in a Cantabrian Castro on the summit of Monte Vispieres. This possible origin is supported by the discovery of Roman pottery. Pliny's texts from the 1st century refer to Monte Vispieres. The historical perspective thus extends from a possible pre-Roman settlement site through Roman transport routes to a written mention of the mountain in the 1st century. The different dates provide a clear structure for anyone who prefers to examine the history of the place step by step rather than in a single overview.

Architectural Heritage

Castillo de Vispieres already appears in the Cartulario de Santillana in 998 and can be visited. The remains of an old fortress or castle, built around the 15th century, have also been preserved in Vispieres. The architectural history also includes the Ermita de San Jorge, Casa de Pérez Bustamante and Casona La Malata; all three date from the 17th century. The historic building stock therefore comprises both a castle complex documented at an early date and buildings from the 17th century.

If you compare holiday apartments in Vispieres, check the travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages. These three details provide a clear framework for your personal planning without mixing up the area's different points of interest.

Other places: Luriezo, Cabanzón, Villanueva, Roiz, La Canal, Abaño, Cuchia, Borleña

For the overarching travel overview: Cantabria.