Mariana: Church, Festivals and Trails in the Serranía de Cuenca

Mariana lies on a small hill at the entrance to the Campichuelo area. The town is located in the Serranía Media de Cuenca, a landscape characterized by low hills, pine forests and limestone formations. Mariana also preserves traditional architecture adapted to the mountainous landscape, with simple houses and compact streets.

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Culture and History

Despite being remodeled in the 18th century, the Iglesia de San Pedro retains its original Romanesque structure. It has a single-nave layout and a semicircular apse. Its distinctive features include a square bell gable at the rear and two portals facing each other on the south and north walls.

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro was built in the 13th century and is one of the churches that emerged during the Christian repopulation beginning in the late 12th century. The baptismal font of the Iglesia de San Pedro is an unusually decorated example from the province and features three bands with interlaced round-arch motifs.

Trails and Landscape

The rural surroundings and forest areas around Mariana are suitable for easy walks and hikes. The Ruta del Románico del Campichuelo passes through Mariana and other municipalities in the Campichuelo area.

One route described in detail is Los amantes de Sotos. It begins near Mariana via the Camino del Sabinar, which branches off from the CV-9116 shortly before crossing the Mariana River. The almost nine-kilometer circular route leads through the Vega of the Mariana River to Cabezuelas, a 1,028-meter-high hill offering wide views over the Serranía de Cuenca. The route follows forest tracks and poorly marked paths.

On the route near Mariana and Sotos, visitors can observe traditional pine resin extraction, a craft that has returned to the area in recent years.

Festivals and Customs

Mariana's patron saint festival in honor of the Santísimo Cristo de la Salud takes place from September 14 to 18. The celebration known as the Fiestas de la Patata takes place in Mariana on the third weekend of October.

The Entrada de Moros y Cristianos in Mariana takes place during the procession after Mass. It includes a procession with horses and swords, as well as Muslim and Christian groups.

During traditional celebrations in Mariana, the dancers of Marcos Pérez perform Paloteo dances in the street. At the celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Mariana, a performance based on the second book of the History of Charlemagne was presented.

Surroundings and Getting There

Mariana's proximity to the city of Cuenca makes it possible to combine a stay with a visit to the historic city of Cuenca, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The proximity of the Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca expands the range of possible excursions to destinations such as the Ciudad Encantada and Laguna de Uña.

The road from Cuenca becomes the regional road CU-V-9116 in the vicinity of Mariana; at the same time, the landscape changes from riverside woodland to numerous cultivated areas. The regional road CU-V-9116 provides access to Mariana.

Other Places in the Parent Area

Salvacañete, Verdelpino de Huete, Laguna Del Marquesado, Las Zomas, Rada De Haro, Villar Del Humo, Casas De Los Pinos, Cañamares

To the parent travel overview: Cuenca.