Villar lies at an elevation of around 970 metres on the Río Híjar, on the lower slopes of Liguardi. Immediately north of the last houses is an extensive oak forest, which also extends across the areas of Proaño and La Hoz de Abiada. Riverside vegetation, ash trees, poplars and willows grow along the riverbanks. The elevation, forest and riverbanks give the area a variety of landscapes. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus on the natural surroundings or the area’s architectural history.

Walking, the River and the Oak Forest

The PR-S40 circular walking route, “Camino a los Pies del Liguardi,” runs from Naveda via Ormas, Proaño, Villar and Hoz de Abiada, returning to Naveda. The municipality continues to include the route in its network of walking trails. Check the current route and trail markings before setting out.

The Church and Historic Buildings

The parish church of Saints Justo and Pastor follows the restrained Campurrian Baroque style of the 17th and 18th centuries and shows influences of the Herrera tradition. The main altarpiece provides a distinctive architectural accent: it consists of two tiers above a predella, with five panels. Its architectural style recalls the Tridentine Classicism of the first decades of the 17th century.

The chapel of Santa Lucía and the church’s baptistery feature pointed arches, recalling a possibly Gothic predecessor dating from the 15th century. A 1036 epitaph for the priest Nahino is set into the church floor. These details offer different historical points of reference: a dated epitaph, the possible earlier history of the church and its later architectural forms.

The secular buildings also have distinctive features. The Casona-Torre de los Celis probably dates from the 17th century; a tower extension was added later. Its notable features include an impressive portal and a coat of arms. At the Casa Concejo, rich geometric and vegetal ornamentation surrounds the central window.

For a taste of local cuisine, visit “Quesos Merrelamo,” an artisan cheese dairy in Villar and said to be the municipality’s only cheese dairy.

The Ermita de San Miguel and the Virgen de Labra

Beyond the Río Híjar and well outside the town centre, the Ermita de San Miguel stands in Somacelada. It is probably an 18th-century building with a single nave and a bell gable with three openings. The ermita houses the image of the Virgen de Labra, patron saint of the Hermandad de Campoo de Suso. According to local tradition, the shepherd Justo Bazo found the image on the summit of Cuesta Labra on 22 July 1615.

Festivities in the Wider Region

Traditional celebrations are held on 5 August at the Ermita de la Virgen de Labra, in the meadows of Somacelada. They include Mass, a communal paella meal, the rosary, football, folk performances and an orchestra. The programme may change, so it is worth checking the dates and programme in advance when planning your visit.

Getting There and Visiting the Church

Villar can be reached via the CA-183 from Reinosa towards Alto Campoo. After Espinilla, a local road climbs to Villar after almost three kilometres. Check current road conditions before travelling. To visit the church, you can ask a local resident, Sagrario, to open the doors. Arrange your visit locally before travelling and check whether access is possible.

Discover more destinations: Ontón, Camijanes, Carriazo, Cohiño, Udías, Camaleño, Las Ilces, Orzales

For the main travel overview: Cantabria.