Discover Quintanar de la Sierra: Cuyacabras, Cueva Andrés and the Pilgrimage

In Quintanar de la Sierra, history becomes tangible in specific places. The Cuyacabras necropolis comprises 166 graves and 16 niches carved into the rock. The Cuyacabras archaeological site also includes a ceremonial area with pagan traditions, a settlement and a necropolis. From Quintanar de la Sierra, the necropolis can be reached via forest tracks; follow the signs.

To put Cuyacabras into context, it is helpful to distinguish between the necropolis and the archaeological site: the graves and niches belong to the necropolis, while the ceremonial area and settlement are further components of the site. This keeps the various historical elements of the place from being reduced to a single set of findings.

Archaeology and history

In Quintanar de la Sierra stands the parish church of San Cristóbal, built in 1630 on the remains of an old Visigothic temple. Quintanar de la Sierra was an important centre of the Real Cabaña de Carreteros.

Alongside Cuyacabras, the parish church and the history of the Real Cabaña de Carreteros provide further evidence that makes different periods and uses of the place visible. The archaeological site points to older traces, while the church and local history show the development of Quintanar de la Sierra in later contexts.

Forest and religious sites

Cueva Andrés is a 10th-century Mozarabic hermitage. It is situated in a forest clearing. In the area probably serving as an oratory or altar, Cueva Andrés features a horseshoe arch carved in relief; an engraved cross is located inside the arch opening.

At Cueva Andrés, location and design complement each other: the forest clearing describes the setting, while the horseshoe arch marks the carved area; the cross is located inside the arch opening. In the pine forests in the immediate vicinity of Quintanar de la Sierra lies Fuente Sanza, the source of the Arlanza River.

Traditions throughout the year

A tradition held on a fixed date is the pilgrimage to Nuestra Señora de Revenga, which takes place on the last weekend in May. It begins at midday with a ritual greeting involving the crosses and banners of the participating villages. The pilgrimage takes place on communal land jointly owned by Canicosa de la Sierra, Quintanar de la Sierra and Regumiel de la Sierra. The three villages take turns preparing and organising the events.

The attractions in Quintanar de la Sierra focus on different aspects: Cuyacabras represents a necropolis, settlement and ceremonial area; Cueva Andrés represents a Mozarabic hermitage in a forest clearing; and the pilgrimage represents a fixed date in the annual calendar. These features can be considered separately when planning your day.

For a holiday apartment in Quintanar de la Sierra, the respective listing page provides travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions as separate details.

Other destinations to research independently include: Valle de Zamanzas, Miranda de Ebro, Las Quintanillas, Nava de Ordunte, Villanueva de Argaño, Isar, Lodoso and Barrio de Muñó.

Architectural heritage

In Quintanar de la Sierra, traditional houses built in the Pinariego style can be seen, featuring original portals and conical chimneys.

For the higher-level travel overview: Burgos.