Luriezo: Hotels for Culture and Hiking Trails

Luriezo offers two distinct points of interest for a trip: the parish church with its Cantabrian-Roman stele and the circular route to the Ermita de la Luz. You can use them to weigh up local history and a hike through the mountain landscape of Peña Sagra.

The Church, the Stele and the Building’s History

A Cantabrian-Roman stele has been preserved in the portico of Luriezo’s parish church. It is circular, made of sandstone, and measures 1.35 metres in diameter and 20 centimetres thick. These dimensions give a clear sense of the stone’s round shape and comparatively slight thickness.

The present-day church was built in 1823 by Vicente Soberón. It replaced an older temple dating from the 16th century. This means that two building phases can be distinguished: the predecessor from the 16th century and the church that took its place in the 19th century.

Luriezo’s buildings and the small gardens surrounding them also represent the vernacular architecture of the Liébana region. While the stele is a single archaeological object, the buildings and gardens draw attention to the village’s architectural character. Each offers a different perspective on the town’s cultural heritage.

Hike to the Ermita de la Luz

The circular route to the Ermita de la Luz starts and ends in Luriezo and is 13.1 kilometres long. You can complete it on foot or by mountain bike. The first half follows the GR-71, the Sendero de la Reserva del Saja. The route then runs along the slope of Peña Sagra to the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Luz.

The landscape alternates between scrubland and beech and oak forests. During the ascent, views open up over the southern mountain ranges of Liébana and the Picos de Europa; visibility depends on the weather. The sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Luz lies at an altitude of 1,340 metres on the middle slope of Peña Sagra. The hike therefore combines a longer stretch through the mountains with a specific destination on the hillside.

When planning, both the length of the loop and the conditions on the ground are relevant. Vegetation and snow conditions vary seasonally; trail markings and trail conditions may also change. Check the latest conditions before setting out. If you are travelling by bus, check the timetable in advance: Luriezo is accessible by bus and also serves as a starting point for the trail.

Luriezo and the Former Valdeaniezo Valley

The former Valdeaniezo valley, at the foot of Peña Sagra, provides geographical context. It comprises the villages of Cambarco, Luriezo, Cahecho and Aniezo. The name adds a regional perspective on the area at the foot of the mountains, while the church, stele and circular route offer specific points of interest for a stay in the village and its mountain landscape.

Discover more destinations: Cuchia, Borleña, Argüébanes, Corvera de Toranzo, Valle, Sollagua, San Sebastián de Garabandal, La Canal.

For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.