Silió: Vijanera, historic architecture and Monte Canales

Silió is the home of Vijanera, a masquerade featuring around 60 male figures, each with distinctive clothing, a role and symbolism. In the municipality of Molledo, it has been recognised as intangible ethnographic heritage of cultural interest. On 25 July, Silió celebrates the Maya; for this, two oak trunks are joined together to form a single piece approximately 30 metres high. In Silió, the Maya is erected exclusively using human strength, wooden rollers, “Tijeras” and ladders.

Culture

The Vijanera Interpretation Centre can be visited throughout the year. Large-format photographs and information panels cover performances, awards, similarities with other mask traditions and the history of the tradition.

Casa de Tagle is part of Silió’s interesting civil architecture and dates from the 17th century. Casa y Torre de Obregón also forms part of this architecture and dates back to the 18th century.

The Romanesque church of San Facundo and San Primitivo in Silió has been designated a National Monument since 1896 and has been recognised as an asset of cultural interest since 23 April 1970.

Landscape

The Senda del Monte Canales begins in Silió and runs through the dense oak and beech forest of Monte Canales, which is crossed by the Erecia River. The PR-S 42 Ruta del Monte Canales is an 18-kilometre circular route from Silió with a moderate difficulty level, an approximate duration of five hours and 30 minutes, and 650 metres of ascent.

The route details offer several factual points of comparison for personal day planning. A culturally focused visit to the town and a longer hike can be considered different types of day activity; nature, architecture and tradition can be kept separate alongside one another for your own travel planning.

Pico de Navajos is a peak in the area around Silió. Alto del Cueto is a mountain in the area around Silió, while Pico de Obios and Peña del Cuervo are each peaks in this area.

Further discoveries

In the wider regional surroundings of Silió are the archaeological sites of Cueva Las Monedas, Cueva de La Pasiega and Cueva del Castillo. The Museo De Las Tres Villas Pasiegas, a museum, is also located in this wider regional area.

When planning a holiday apartment in Silió, compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies on the accommodation pages. Cultural sites, natural features and destinations in the wider regional area can be considered separate themes for your own travel planning. These three details complement the choice of destination, without replacing it.

Other places on this page include Comillas, Las Ilces, Cartes, Valcaba, Tresabuela, Trasvia, Cillorigo De Liébana and Las Rozas De Valdearroyo.

For the main travel overview: Cantabria.