Aniezo, with its hamlet of Somaniezo, marks the end of the valley. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the cultural attractions in Aniezo and the mountain hike that begins in Somaniezo. This allows you to tailor your stay to your interests in architecture and crafts or in the landscape.

Water, Mills and Crafts

Parque del Agua in Aniezo was established in 2000. Its features include a grain mill, an old fulling mill and a reconstructed one, a farrier’s stand, and a small medieval bridge. A fulling mill is also known as a batán. A water-powered mill and the fulling mill used the water of a stream to drive hammers and process textiles from the weaving workshop in Cabezón de Liébana. The focus here is not only on the structures but also on a specific working process: water provided the power to process the textiles.

Romanesque Architecture and Oral Tradition

Aniezo is known for its groups of traditional folk architecture. At the Iglesia de San Martín, clearly Romanesque features can be seen in the espadaña, or bell gable, and in the cornices. According to local oral tradition, Aniezo is considered the birthplace of Beato de Liébana, author of the “Commentary on the Apocalypse.” The themes of architecture and oral tradition offer different points of interest: named architectural features on the one hand, and a local history passed down orally on the other.

Cider, Cuisine and Cork

The Museo de la Sidra “La Retoría” in Aniezo is housed in a building that is more than two hundred years old. It presents the traditional production of cider, as well as aspects of Liébana cuisine and the use of cork. The natural cider-making process is explained from the apple to the bottle: the steps include harvesting the apples and making the cork. This makes the process from harvest to finished product easy to follow. If you plan to visit the museum during your stay, check visitor access before you travel.

Hiking Trails of Varying Difficulty

A strenuous mountain trail leads from Somaniezo in Aniezo to the Ermita de la Virgen de la Luz and the Sierra de Peña Sagra. The ascent passes Canto de los Cucos, a viewpoint offering views of the landscape. An easy hiking trail along an old path connects Aniezo with Luriezo and begins at Abaneo. The trails therefore differ both in difficulty and destination: a challenging ascent to the hermitage and mountain range, or an easier path between Aniezo and Luriezo. Check seasonal trail conditions before setting out.

Shrine and Views

The Nuestra Señora de la Luz shrine stands at an altitude of 1,340 metres on the slope of Peña Sagra; La Santuca is venerated there. From the shrine, you can see most of the peaks surrounding the comarca. At the end of the ascent to the Ermita de la Luz, the Picos de Europa come into view. The expansive views of the peaks around the comarca and the sight of the Picos de Europa thus offer two distinct perspectives on the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Vispieres, Cabanzón, Borleña, Elechas, Somahoz, Santa Olalla, Sel de la Carrera, Quijano

For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.