The Río Campiezo runs through Hazas De Cesto from south to north and is one of the municipality’s most important natural assets. The town also has specific cultural and historical attractions, from the church of Santa María to prehistoric rock paintings. This gives you a choice of different focuses when planning your trip: the river landscape and karst, routes through the municipality, religious and architectural history, or the dates of the patron saint festivals.
River Landscape and Karst
The Río Campiezo rises in Solórzano. It is fed by the Canastrillas and Valladares streams, which join near the Ermita de San Roque. In the southeast of Hazas De Cesto lies the karst depression of Riolastras, also known as Rulastras, a polje. The river and the depression give the landscape two distinct contours.
The karst spring Fuente del Real is in Barrio El Rincón, on regional road 266 between Hazas and Jesús del Monte. It is also the source of the Arroyo Chico. The natural hill of Llusa reaches 377 metres and lies on the boundary between Hazas De Cesto and Ribamontán al Monte. The hill is covered in dense Mediterranean scrub, making it difficult to pass through. Bear this in mind if you are considering visiting Llusa.
Church, Art and Cultural Heritage
The church of Santa María in Hazas De Cesto has a single-nave layout, and its construction history spans the 16th to the 19th century. It was last renovated in 1873. Its main altarpiece is in the pre-Churrigueresque style: designed by Agustín Irias in 1671, it was made by Juan de la Puente Mazateve. The church thus draws attention both for its long construction history and for a specific, dated work of art.
The Cueva de Los Moros is another cultural attraction to discover in the town. The cave contains a small group of prehistoric, schematic-abstract rock paintings. The Ermita de San Roque is part of Hazas De Cesto’s religious heritage. Together, these sites offer different ways to explore the past: sacred architecture, religious heritage and prehistoric art.
Routes, Festivals and Regional Cuisine
The Toca route connects Berezales with Hazas De Cesto. It passes through Barrio de Toca and continues towards Solórzano, as far as Tanaguillo. The Campiezo route runs from Beranga, parallel to the Río Campiezo and beneath the A-8 motorway bridge. The Camino de Santiago de la Costa also crosses Hazas De Cesto from east to west. Route conditions can change, so check them before setting out. The Cueva de San Bernardino can be visited inside; check the current access conditions before visiting.
The municipality’s patron saint festivals take place in its three villages from May to September. The programme includes masses, processions and dances. Nuestra Señora is celebrated in Hazas De Cesto on 15 August. Activities can vary from year to year, so it is worth checking the programme for your travel dates. There is also something to discover in the local cuisine: dishes such as red beans, known as caricos, can be sampled in Hazas De Cesto. The availability of individual dishes may vary.
Plan Your Journey and Accommodation
For road travel, the N-634 runs through Hazas De Cesto parallel to the A-8 motorway, providing good road connections. The FEVE Santander–Bilbao line has a passenger stop in Barrio de La Estación. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel dates.
If the train is important to your plans, take into account the stop in Barrio de La Estación and the current timetable.
Discover more destinations: Beranga, Val De San Vicente, Los Tojos, Herrerías, La Lastra, Torrelavega, Brez, Villaescusa
For the main travel overview: Cantabria.
