Celis combines a traditional village setting with historic architecture and a paved route along the Nansa. Architecture and the course of the trail come together particularly vividly at Puente de la HerrerĂa: the bridge is a protected structure and part of the Camino de Celis a Riclones. Other highlights include religious buildings, a cave with rock art and a regional visit to El Soplao. Celis therefore offers several ways to enjoy a stay focused on culture and time outdoors.
Landscape and Village Setting
Celis lies in a valley area beside the Nansa River. Pico HugĂłn shelters the village from winds from the north and east. Its character is rural and traditional, and its village setting is considered harmonious. In 1983, Celis received special national recognition for preserving typical Cantabrian buildings. This combination of landscape and architecture shapes the impression of the village, without reducing either to a single monument.
Historic Buildings in Celis
La Campona is a two-storey manor house with a wooden solana between firewalls. The building draws attention to its storeys, woodwork and the arrangement of the solana. The Ermita del Carmen offers another point of reference in time: it was built in the early 18th century. Together, the two buildings show different facets of local architecture.
The Iglesia de San Pedro also brings together several notable features. It has three naves and a straight chancel of Gothic origin; it also houses three high-quality Baroque altarpieces. This makes it possible to distinguish between architecture and decoration: the naves and chancel define the church building, while the altarpieces are part of its Baroque furnishings. Visitors interested in religious architecture will find both a point of reference in the building’s form and in the design of its interior.
Puente de la HerrerĂa and the Route to Riclones
Puente de la HerrerĂa is a stone bridge that now has only one arch. A wayside shrine stands on its upper section, housing an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 2004, the bridge was designated a Bien de InterĂ©s Local (Local Interest Site). Its significance as a monument can also be linked to a specific route: the paved Camino de Celis a Riclones is 2.0 kilometres long, connects the two villages and crosses the Nansa via the historic bridge.
The Camino passes traditional manor houses and descends to the river along an old walled path. Its length, paved surface and route provide different points of reference for planning your visit. The bridge is therefore not only a structure in its own right, but also part of the connection between Celis and Riclones.
Caves and Visitor Information
The Cueva de El Porquerizo in Celis is registered as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Site of Cultural Interest). Traces of rock art in the form of engravings and paintings have been found in the cave. However, an important point for planning a visit is that Cueva de El Porquerizo is currently closed to the public. Check access again before travelling.
El Soplao offers a different perspective on underground spaces. The visitor tour begins with a ride on a replica mining train through the La Isidra mining gallery. This is followed by a walk through the galleries and chambers La Gorda, Los Fantasmas, Mirador de Lacuerre, Centinelas and Ópera. The visitor tour has been adapted for people with reduced mobility; 100 percent of the route can be completed in a wheelchair. El Soplao can also be reached by off-road vehicle via the Celis–Rionansa and La Florida–Labarces forest tracks. The visitor information therefore clearly distinguishes it from the closed Cueva de El Porquerizo: rock art and protected status characterise one cave, while El Soplao is described in terms of a visitor itinerary and an accessible route.
Discover more destinations: Viérnoles, Vispieres, Elechas, Corvera, Esles, Cabanzón, San Sebastián de Garabandal, Corvera de Toranzo.
For the main travel overview: Cantabria.
