Valdeprado: Traditional Architecture and Paths Through the Beech Forest

Valdeprado preserves an almost intact traditional architectural heritage. Stone houses, wooden balconies, and, in some cases, intricately carved doors characterize the built environment. This style of construction is particularly clearly illustrated by the Casa Hidalga del siglo XVII. It has been included as a listed cultural asset in the General Inventory of the Cultural Heritage of Cantabria.

The main entrance of Casa Hidalga features a large, archaically designed round arch. Due to its characteristics and location, it is considered unique in the Liébana Valley. Above the round arch is a window with restrained decoration. The main elements that have been worked are the lintel, windowsill, and cornice, so the entrance derives its impact from a few clearly emphasized architectural components.

Sacred architecture is also one of the defining features of the village. The parish of Valdeprado is named La Asunción. The church in Valdeprado was built at the expense of Don Juan Domingo de la Torre. A resolution dated October 27, 2009, records Valdeprado’s inclusion in the General Inventory of the Cultural Heritage of Cantabria.

Traditional Architectural Forms

The built heritage also includes the Hórreo de Valdeprado. This small rectangular wooden structure stands on four or six wooden or stone pillars and is raised about two meters above the ground. Hórreos were used to store grain, meat, and other provisions. The elevated construction was intended to protect stored food from moisture and rodents. This structure offers a particularly concrete illustration of the connection between simple form, practical function, and traditional rural construction.

Another place to visit is Quintanaentello.

Paths Through the Forest

The crossing of the Sierras Albas reaches Valdeprado from Cueva via an old path and a concrete track. A second connection is the Monte Hormeo–Valdeprado route. It is approximately 5 km long, follows a one-way route, and ends in Valdeprado.

The Monte Hormeo trail passes through an Atlantic beech and oak forest and then reaches the road beside the entrance to Valdeprado. The different routes connect specific landscape features with the traditional appearance of the village: on the old path and concrete track, the crossing itself is the focus, while the Monte Hormeo route is characterized by the forest and its course. When hiking on an old path, a concrete track, or a route with a fixed direction, it is standard preparation to check current trail conditions and the route before setting out. An approximate length can help with planning the timing, while the actual condition of the trail can only be determined on site or from up-to-date information. The same applies to forest sections.

Connections to Pesaguero

In connection with Pesaguero, an 18th-century parish church is mentioned. Also associated with Pesaguero is a manor house with two coats of arms. One displays the coat of arms of the Salceda family, while the other shows that of the de la Torre family.

Other places with the same higher-level association are Villacarriedo, Brez, Barros, Liendo, Anaz, El Astillero, and Ribamontán Al Monte.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cantabria.