The Church of San Cosme and San Damián and the Calzada Romana del Valle del Besaya give Bárcena de Pie de Concha two distinct points of interest: Romanesque architecture and the history of an ancient transport route. There are also regionalist houses, a historic route that can be explored on foot, and a landscape of gorges, forests and the River Besaya. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you are more interested in the buildings and routes or in hiking and nature.
Getting there and finding your way around
Bárcena de Pie de Concha can be reached via the Autovía de la Meseta (A-67), by train, and via the N-611 between Santander and Palencia. If you are travelling by train, check the current timetable in advance. This will help you plan your arrival around the days you have planned and the topics that matter most to you.
Romanesque and regional architecture
The Church of San Cosme and San Damián is a rural Romanesque building from the first half of the 12th century. Its single-nave plan ends in a semicircular apse. Various corbels have been preserved along the eaves; the Romanesque triumphal arch bears intricately carved capitals featuring facing lions and hooded spheres. The church also houses a seated Gothic image of the Virgin and Child dating from the 13th century.
The Casona de Collantes is one of the notable regionalist houses built in Bárcena de Pie de Concha in the early 20th century. La Chozuca was built in 1924 and stands at the entrance to the town. Together with the Romanesque church, these houses offer a glimpse of the local architecture from a later period.
Historic routes and their history
The Calzada Romana del Valle del Besaya formed part of the Roman road Vía «Legio VII Gemina Ad Portus Bledium», which connected the present-day cities of León and Suances. The paving has been preserved along most of the route, which can be walked. It descends towards Pie de Concha, where it disappears at a small square. In 2002, the Calzada Romana del Valle del Besaya was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural.
Another historic route is the Camino Real de Las Hoces. It is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in the Monument category in the municipalities of Bárcena de Pie de Concha and Pesquera. Its section, preserved in its original condition, runs from Bárcena to El Ventorrillo de Pesquera. This route should not be confused with the Camino Real de Reinosa a Santander: it was built between 1749 and 1753, and construction began in Bárcena de Pie de Concha.
Gorges, forests and activities on the Besaya
The Hoces de Bárcena are gorges with striking red Triassic sandstone formations. Parts of the area are covered with native oak forests and planted pine trees; the area is of natural and scenic interest. Centuries-old oaks and beeches, as well as birches, ash trees and chestnuts, grow in the Montabliz forest. It also includes pines planted by people, which have become integrated into the ecosystem.
Pico Jano reaches 1,288 metres. Hiking and walks along the riverbanks are considered particularly appealing activities in the municipality. A 2012 hiking route directory lists the PR-S 41 Ruta del Pico Jano as a circular route that climbs from Bárcena de Pie de Concha. Check the current route signs and trail conditions before setting off.
In one stretch of the Besaya in the municipality, fishing is permitted without a permit; trout are the predominant fish species. If you plan to fish, check the applicable regulations and local access conditions beforehand.
Annual festivals
San Pedro is celebrated in Bárcena every year on 29 June. The festival includes cultural, sporting and gastronomic activities, as well as activities for children. The traditional Feria de Mayo is a livestock market held in Bárcena de Pie de Concha on the first Saturday in May. If you plan to time your trip to coincide with either festival, check that year's programme in advance.
Discover more destinations: Mazcuerras, Pumareña, Val De San Vicente, Rumoroso, Guardamino, Los Tojos, Tezanos, Tresabuela
For the main travel overview: Cantabria.
