Igollo can be explored through three distinct themes: the archaeological significance of the Cueva de El Juyo, the architectural history of the church of Santa Eulalia and other historic houses, and the ecological importance of El MonterĂn. Together, these themes help you explore Igollo according to your interests. The dates tell different stories: an early documented mention, the age of a present-day building and the dating of a single architectural feature are not the same thing.
Cueva de El Juyo: Archaeology and Access
The Cueva de El Juyo in Igollo, in the municipality of Camargo, is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest). Its protected area contains an extensive sequence from the Lower Magdalenian, described as the most extensive in the entire Cantabrian coastal region. From the end of the local access road, a simple footpath leads to the cave entrance. When planning your visit, allow for this footpath as the final part of the approach. Its protected status and archaeological significance are two distinct aspects that make the site special.
Santa Eulalia: Early Documentation, Later Building
The parish church of Santa Eulalia de Igollo has been documented since 1025. This date marks its early written mention; however, the present-day building dates from the late 17th century. The church also has a main altarpiece dating from around the 18th century. The church and its furnishings therefore do not point to a single date of construction: its documented history goes further back than the present-day building, while the altarpiece provides an additional point of reference. When comparing the historical traces, it is helpful to keep these layers distinct.
Historic Houses and Their Different Dates
The Casa Torre Herrera in Igollo was commissioned in 1680 by Tomás de Herrera. He was a knight of Alcántara, Treasurer General of the Santa Cruzada and a member of the Inquisition. The Casona de Benito de la Torre Herrera is estimated to have been built in the late 17th century at the behest of Tomás de Herrera. In the case of the Casa de los Puente Herrera, the date specifically refers to the portal: it dates from the second half of the 17th century. A specific year of commission, an estimated construction date and the date of an architectural feature thus sit side by side. When comparing the houses chronologically, you can take these differences into account; the age of the portal is not automatically the construction date of the entire house.
El MonterĂn: Biodiversity and Ecological Protection
El MonterĂn de Igollo is one of the most biodiverse areas in the municipality of Camargo and is designated in the General Plan as an area of special ecological protection. It serves as a refuge for the nightjar and is home to badgers, foxes, stone martens and Egyptian mongooses. Biodiversity, habitat and planning protection describe different aspects of this nature theme. It differs from the historic buildings, whose dates relate to individual construction phases or architectural features. If you choose a destination based on cultural history or ecology, Igollo offers specific points of interest for both.
Discover more destinations: Maliaño, Muriedas, Revilla De Camargo, Escobedo
For the main travel overview: Camargo.
