In Quijano, the architectural traces of its history sit alongside a landscape shaped by the River Pas. The “La huella de los indianos” route draws attention to the heritage of the Indianos and the wealth that came to the town from America. Neighbourhoods, churches, fountains and paths reveal other sides of Quijano. Its cultural history and landscape therefore offer two distinct focuses to consider when planning a trip.
Historic Neighbourhoods and Buildings
La Edesa is one of Quijano’s oldest neighbourhoods. It includes a row of adjoining houses in an elevated location; this site was chosen in an effort to protect them from flooding by the River Pas. The Church of Santa Columba has an altarpiece from the second half of the 17th century. The Chapel of San Miguel is characterised by a single-nave layout and a hipped roof. Its masonry is made of irregular ashlar stones, except at the corners of the building. Another historic stop is the former hospital, built by Ambrosio Mazorra. It is now home to the Centro Cultural Municipal de Quijano.
Fountains and washing places are also part of the town’s history. Fuente Naveda served as a watering place for livestock and a washing place. Many residents of Quijano still use its water for their needs; if you would like to drink it, check its availability locally. A report dated 14 August 2026 stated that water from an old spring well in Barrio de La Edesa was once again safe to drink. In addition, a local resident had restored the old washing place known as “Palancate”.
River and Farmland Landscape
To the west, the Pas forms Quijano’s boundary with the villages of Vioño and Oruña. Scattered stands of poplars and alders line the river, which also receives water from the Campiza stream. In Quijano, fields of maize alternate with meadows mown for cattle fodder. A wooded spot along a route through Quijano is home to numerous birds of different species. The river, woodland and fields thus reveal different aspects of the local landscape.
Paths and Cultural Discoveries
“La huella de los indianos” is 3.89 km long and introduces Quijano through the heritage of the Indianos and the wealth that came to the town from America. Cultural points of interest along the route include a coat-of-arms doorway with a hidalgo’s manor house, as well as Casa de Ciriaco de Cevallos Bustillo, a stop dating from the 18th century. A local path, by contrast, follows a semicircle from Barrio El Regato to Barrio La Edesa. The route descriptions highlight different features: “La huella” is described by its cultural theme and length, while the local path is defined by its semicircular shape and endpoints.
Birdwatching at a wooded spot along the route adds a natural element to its cultural themes. Visitors interested in the area can therefore take in both its architectural history and the landscape described here, without treating the two paths as a single circular walk.
Nativity Scene Tradition and Getting There
Quijano’s traditional live Nativity scene was first held more than 40 years ago. One specific edition is described for 2022–2023: the Belén de Quijano at the Centro cultural de Quijano then comprised 24 large figures and an extensive display of animals. The long-standing tradition and the details of that edition offer different glimpses of the event over time.
Quijano can be reached from Renedo via the CA-233 regional road. During a stay, the local buildings, the “La huella de los indianos” route, and the river and farmland landscape each offer their own cultural or scenic focus.
Discover more destinations: Cabanzón, Puente Pumar, Corvera, Villanueva, Samano, Abaño, San Sebastián de Garabandal, Somahoz.
For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.
