Secadura: Church, Cave Finds and Cultural Heritage

In the Gospel-side aisle of the Church of San Juan Bautista, there is a small chapel with a rib vault and the tomb slab of the priest Gómez Fernández de Secadura.

Culture and History

Construction of the Church of San Juan Bautista in Secadura began at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century and continued until the end of the 17th century. The tomb slab is a Gothic limestone relief from the late 15th century, executed in very low relief.

In Valdelastras, Secadura, the Palacio del Conde de San Carlos was protected as a Bien de Interés Local in the “Property” category. Its façades are made of limestone, with ashlar masonry on the main façade and rubble masonry on the remaining façades. Notable features include the moulded surrounds of the main portal and balcony window, as well as the large central coat of arms. The Palacio stands on a small island formed by the Clarión River.

Caves and Archaeology

Excavations in the Cueva del Otero revealed up to nine stratigraphic layers attributed to the Aurignacian, Magdalenian and Azilian. A frontally depicted head of a caprine animal and a group of non-figurative lines were discovered on the walls. Behind the Cueva del Otero in Secadura lies the Cueva del Otero III, also known as the Cueva de la Casa de los Cristales. It contains an archaeological site with two layers, the lower one probably belonging to the Paleolithic. In the Cueva de Solviejo, pottery with finger impressions, smooth pottery and a small group of schematic-abstract representations were found.

Traditions

For Secadura, La Pascua Tierradura, also called the Tierradura Festival, is listed as a celebration held on Easter Sunday with Mass, a procession, dancers and dancing. Secadura is one of the places in the Junta de Voto whose dancers participate in the Grupo de danzas “Virgen de Palacios”; the group’s repertoire includes Cantabrian dances.

When comparing holiday apartments in Secadura, you can view the travel dates, room category and cancellation policies side by side on booking websites.

Other Destinations

Other destinations at this regional level include Arnuero, Vioño, Guardamino, Rasines, San Miguel de Meruelo, Silió, Pedreña and Tezanos.

Landscape and Trails

The surroundings of Secadura include Playa de Laredo and Playa de Noja as beaches; Monte Llusas is a mountain there. Playa de San Julián lies in the wider regional surroundings of Secadura. Also located in this wider regional area are the Palacio de la Magdalena as a palace, the Dock of the Caravels as a museum and the Museo Marítimo del Cantábrico as a museum. Convento de MonteHano is a church in the vicinity of Secadura.

Circular Walk along the Clarión

A hiking route reaches the Tejo Centenario after approximately two kilometres of ascent. After three kilometres downhill, the walk leads to the source of the Clarión River; there you will find a small dam, as well as the remains of an old mill and an ironworks. An official circular walk begins and ends at Parque del puente Indelagua. From Secadura, access is via the CA-267 towards Valdelastras.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cantabria.