Celis: Architecture and Trails Along the Nansa
Accommodation in Celis
Celis lies in a valley area on the Nansa River; Pico HugĂłn shields the village from winds from the north and east. Its distinctly rural, traditional character and harmonious appearance shape the impression it makes. In 1983, Celis received special national recognition for preserving typical Cantabrian buildings. During your stay, you can get to know Celis through its architecture as well as the trail connecting it to Riclones.
Architecture and Cultural Heritage in Celis
The buildings reveal a range of architectural details. La Campona is a two-storey manor house with a wooden solana (open gallery) between its firewall walls. The Iglesia de San Pedro in Celis has three naves and a straight chancel of Gothic origin. The church also houses three high-quality Baroque altarpieces. The Ermita del Carmen was built in the early 18th century.
The Puente de la HerrerĂa is another notable landmark in the village. Today, the stone bridge has just one arch. A humilladero (wayside shrine) stands on its upper section, housing an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The bridge was designated a Bien de InterĂ©s Local (Local Heritage Site) in 2004. Its architectural features and religious image give the structure a distinct historical dimension beyond its role as a river crossing.
The Camino de Celis a Riclones
The paved Camino de Celis a Riclones is 2.0 kilometres long and connects Celis with Riclones. Along its route, it crosses the Nansa River via the historic Puente de la HerrerĂa. The trail passes traditional manor houses and descends to the river along an old path lined with walls. This makes it possible to view the trail both as a link between the two villages and as an approach to the bridge along the river.
The Cueva de El Porquerizo in Celis is listed as a Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest). Traces of rock art in the form of engravings and paintings have been found in the cave. It is currently closed to the public; check its access status again before your trip.
Include El Soplao in Your Travel Plans
If you include a tourist visit to El Soplao in your travel plans, it begins with a ride on a replica mining train through the La Isidra mine gallery. This is followed by a walking tour through La Gorda, Los Fantasmas, Mirador de Lacuerre, Centinelas and Ă“pera. The visit has been adapted for people with reduced mobility; 100 percent of the route can be covered in a wheelchair. This visit is quite different from the Camino: here, the mining train ride is followed by a tour of galleries and chambers, while the Camino is a paved route linking Celis and Riclones.
El Soplao is also accessible to off-road vehicles via the Celis–Rionansa and La Florida–Labarces forest roads.
Discover more destinations: Quijano, Corvera de Toranzo, Corvera, Nates, Viérnoles, Quintana, San Sebastián de Garabandal, Luriezo
For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.
