Ontaneda lies on the left bank of the Pas River. Architectural history, named routes and local traditions give the town several distinct points of interest: the Palacio and the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista stand alongside historic places from everyday life, while the Vía Verde del Pas, Circuito de Ontaneda and Ruta del Agua offer different landmarks for finding your way around. There is also a thermal spring known since Roman times and the production of Sobaos and Quesadas. When choosing where to stay, you can first consider whether architectural and social history, routes or local traditions are your main interest.

The Palacio, the church and local history

The Palacio de Ontaneda was built in the 18th century by Francisco de Bustamante y Guerra and hosted Isabel II. Today, it houses the Centro de Estudios Históricos del Ferrocarril Español. Its architectural history, historical connection to Isabel II and present-day institutional use come together here.

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista is a Neo-Gothic church built between the 17th and 18th centuries. An ensemble of striking manor houses points to different periods of development and the presence of historically significant families in this area. The traditional washhouses are ethnographic features that help explain the history of everyday life. The montañesque bowling alleys offer another glimpse of community life: they are considered traditional hubs for socializing. In this way, representative buildings stand alongside places connected with everyday life.

Routes and orientation

The former Ontaneda railway station now serves as a tourist information office. The Vía Verde del Pas begins nearby and passes the municipal swimming pool. The Circuito de Ontaneda is a safe section that avoids the original railway track, which was altered by a timber company. The station, swimming pool and altered track are therefore different landmarks associated with the named routes.

Other landmarks are noted for the Ruta del Agua: after 1.5 kilometres, it approaches the centre of Ontaneda. After crossing the northern part of Ontaneda, it continues towards Sel del Tojo. The route also heads towards the Palacio de Ontaneda, also known as the Palacio de Semprún, and into a Natura 2000 network habitat.

Traditions and local specialities

A sulphurous thermal spring is also part of the town’s history; it has been known since Roman times. La Boñiguera, also called Muñiguera, is an annual opportunity to experience Ontaneda’s traditions. The celebration takes place every year on the first Saturday in June and ends at the Sel del Tojo hermitage. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check it before making your plans.

Ontaneda is also associated with the production of Sobaos and Quesadas, traditional Cantabrian sweet treats. This culinary connection adds a local production theme to the buildings, everyday places and routes. Taken together, the town’s history, named routes, festival and sweet treats offer different starting points for choosing the focus of a stay in Ontaneda.

For the broader travel overview: Corvera De Toranzo.