Otañes: Roman Traces, Torre and Vía Verde

Otañes reveals its history through tangible evidence: the Pátera de Otañes was found in 1900 near Pico del Castillo in Otañes and is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Culture and History

The artefact is made of silver and features gold inlays in the reliefs and decorations. Its Roman history includes a milestone associated with Otañes dating from AD 61. A replica of this Roman milestone from Otañes is on display in Plaza Nicasio de la Sota.

The church of Santa María de Llovera is Gothic in style and has been rebuilt and extended several times. Its main altar and two side altars date from the late 17th century.

The present-day Torre de Otañes was built in 1445 by Lope García de Otañes y Salazar. The defensive structure was later altered: the upper section was given a hipped roof. The Torre de Otañes is covered by the general protection of the Decree of 22 April 1949 and Law 16/1985 on Spanish Historical Heritage.

Landscape

Setares, a former mining village that was abandoned in the 20th century after mining ended, lies to the northeast of Otañes.

The main access to the Barranco de Callejamala is via the Barrio de Llovera near the former Castro-Alen mine. Along the route through the Barranco de Callejamala, a goshawk can be observed at a summit in spring. The Egyptian vulture, also known as the Egyptian vulture, can be found at the aforementioned summit from the first days of March until the last days of September.

Monte Ventoso is 731 metres high and offers extensive views over Castro-Urdiales. The Presa de Cabrera was built around 1920 to power a mill via a water channel.

Routes and Mobility

CastroBus line 2 connects Otañes with Castro-Urdiales town centre and other districts. The Vía Verde de Castro-Traslaviña is accessible from Otañes.

The Vía Verde de Castro-Alén covers a 5.7-kilometre section from the Dolomitas factory to the Puertos de Callejamala in Otañes. Mountain bikers and mountaineers use this route to continue cycling or walking along the trail.

A route from Plaza de Otañes to the church of Santa María de Llovera can be travelled on foot or by bicycle. The information on distance and means of transport allows for an objective comparison of different excursion options.

For a holiday apartment in Otañes, compare travel dates, room category and cancellation policies on the listing pages. Supplement these three details with the topics that particularly interest you in Otañes: historical evidence, countryside routes or getting around on foot and by bicycle.

Other Places

Other place pages: Lavín, Valmeo, Pedreña, Ibio, Valle De Villaverde, Santibáñez, Miengo, Orzales

For the overarching travel overview: Cantabria.