Cistierna: Trails along the Esla River, Pilgrimage Tradition and Culture

Nature and Trails

In Cistierna, Route 1 “Río Esla” runs along both banks of the Esla River through Cistierna and offers views of Las Pilastras and Puente del Mercadillo.

Route 2 “Mirador de Los Rejos” passes through stands of pine, oak and beech trees, as well as groves of centuries-old yew trees, to a viewpoint overlooking the valley formed by the Esla River.

Route 3 “Lagunas–Hoyón” can be completed in two shorter stages: the first stage includes the Lagunas, while the second includes the Roblón de Modino and the Hoyón de Yugueros.

Route 4 “Perimetral a Peñacorada” is a cycling route of around 35 kilometres and medium difficulty around the Peñacorada massif.

Route 5 “Vía Férrea–Puente de Hierro” begins at Avenida Luis Canal and ends at the iron bridge over the Esla River. The different route formats help you compare hiking, stages and cycling.

The Cistierna Via Ferrata, also known as “Cueva del Elefante”, is located near the Esla River at the northern exit of Cistierna towards Riaño on the N-621, next to the rock formation also known as Peña del Elefante.

Pilgrimage Tradition

The Romería de San Guillermo takes place on 28 May, is dedicated to the patron saint of Cistierna and is recognised as a festival of provincial tourist interest.

On the Camino Olvidado, Cistierna is the arrival point of the 11th stage and the starting point of the 12th stage towards Boñar.

Culture and History

The Museo del Ferroviario is located in the former railway workers’ store of the La Robla–Bilbao railway line.

The Iglesia de Santa María is currently used as an exhibition hall.

Calle Padre Isla preserves a cohesive ensemble of beautiful houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Casa de los Franceses, Casa de los Reyero and Casa de los Nieto.

The Iglesia de Cristo Rey houses a 16th-century Plateresque altarpiece from Valderas in León. The altarpiece consists of eleven painted panels in the Hispano-Flemish style, set within Plateresque architectural framing.

The Ermita/Mirador de San Guillermo comprises a natural rock shelter beneath a limestone outcrop and an elevated chamber carved into the rock with an approximately vaulted ceiling.

The Iglesia de Santa María was begun around 1120, completed in 1143 and consecrated in the same year by the Bishop of León, D. Juan Albertino.

Further Destinations

Further destinations that you can access directly: Vega De Valcarce, Santovenia De La Valdoncina, Posada De Valdeón, San Andrés Del Rabanedo, Soto de Valdeón, Riego De Ambrós, Almazcara and Colinas Del Campo De Martín Moro.

In the vicinity of Peñacorada there is a rock hermitage dating from the 10th century, associated with a folk tradition that has been passed down there for 1,000 years.

To the higher-level travel overview: León.