Rubena: Camino Francés, History and Water

Rubena lies at a prominent point on the Camino de Santiago: here, the final French route and the so-called, and not entirely accurately named, Merchants’ Route practically converge. The right-hand branch of the Camino Francés stage from San Juan de Ortega to Burgos bypasses the Sierra de Atapuerca via Rubena.

Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Rubena can compare the travel dates, room categories, and cancellation policies of the individual offers. The choice of location can be considered based on the pilgrimage routes, architectural history, waterways, and destinations in the surrounding area.

Culture

Rubena is mentioned as early as 921 in connection with the Church of Santa Eulalia. For more than 800 years, the village was under the rule of San Salvador de Oña Abbey. The history of pilgrimage in the area includes a pilgrims’ hostel that was supported by Alfonso VII, the Emperor, and other nobles.

Rubena is also associated with the history of mining. In the second half of the 19th century, iron ore deposits were discovered in the area around the village. In 1908, the “Olvido” mine still produced 30,000 tonnes of mineral.

The Iglesia de la Asunción combines Gothic and Baroque styles. Its Gothic portal has four archivolts, while the Gothic crossing dates from 1556. Rubena also preserves the Baroque portal of a former palace; it features a round arch, pilasters, and a coat of arms dated 1554.

The surviving architectural heritage includes a watermill with two barrel vaults and a restored horseshoeing stand with a wooden structure. By the stream, Rubena also preserves a medieval public washhouse and a medieval horseshoeing stand.

Paths and Water

A public walking path runs along the streambank by the restored springhead. A new compacted-gravel path also leads from the area around the spring to the village centre.

The Río Vena flows by Rubena and is a tributary of the Arlanzón. The Arroyo de Valdeherreros also runs through the area around Rubena.

Destinations in the Surrounding Area

The Convento de San Esteban de los Olmos, a monastery, is located near Rubena. The surrounding area also includes the Parque Arqueológico de Atapuerca, an ancient site, and the CAREX Centro De Arqueología Experimental, a museum.

Also in the surrounding area are the Museum of Human Evolution, a museum, and the Mirador, a viewpoint. The Playa fluvial Fuente del Prior is classified as a river beach.

Other destinations in the surrounding area include the Parque Lineal del Vena and the Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente Park, both of which are parks.

Other Places

Royuela De Río Franco, Montejo De Cebas, Agüera, Villamartín De Villadiego, Hortigüela, Pardilla, Nava De Ordunte, Cebolleros

To the overview of the wider travel area: Burgos.