Fontibre: Source of the Ebro and Nature

Fontibre is located at the traditional source of the Ebro. The village brings together the spring landscape and the river’s upper course, with clear route connections and cultural themes.

Routes and trails

Fontibre is the starting point of the Camino Natural del Ebro. A walking and cycling route also leads from the traditional source of the Ebro towards Salces and Nestares. The Camino Natural del Ebro starts in Fontibre. In addition, a walking and cycling route leads towards Salces and Nestares. The difference lies in the reference point: Fontibre is named as the starting point of the Camino, while the walking and cycling route highlights the direction towards two places.

Spring landscape and habitats

The spring area of Fontibre covers seven hectares. The landscape around the spring includes poplars, oaks and beech trees. The first stretch of the Ebro near Fontibre features aquatic and riverside woodland habitats, and is characterized by a large number of distinctive bird species. The tree species describe the landscape around the spring, while the habitats and birds characterize the first stretch of the river. The seven hectares refer to the spring area, not the entire first stretch of the river. “Aquatic habitats” refer to the water area; “riverside woodland habitats” refer to wooded areas along the riverbank. A habitat is an area where particular species occur. These terms distinguish the water zone from the riverside woodland; the reference to birds adds wildlife to the description of the first stretch of the Ebro. The vegetation around the spring has its own distinct geographical reference.

Fontibre is included in the ZEC Río y Embalse del Ebro. The village was also included in ICONA’s Open Inventory of Particularly Protected Natural Areas because of its scenic value. Fontibre is included in the ZEC Río y Embalse del Ebro; it was included in ICONA’s Open Inventory because of its scenic value. The references have different emphases: the ZEC designation identifies the area, while the ICONA listing gives the scenic reason for its entry in an inventory of particularly protected natural areas. This distinguishes the area designation from the reason for inclusion in the inventory.

Understanding the Ebro from its source to its mouth

The Centro de Interpretación Río Ebro explains the course of the river from its source to its mouth. The center is equipped with information panels as well as audiovisual and interactive media.

The place name and the church of San Félix

The place name and the church of San Félix also offer cultural points of interest. Fontibre derives from the Latin phrase “Fontes Iberis,” meaning “sources of the Ebro.” The presbytery of the church of San Félix features a barrel vault. A barrel vault is a longitudinal, semicylindrical vaulted structure. This architectural detail complements the linguistic origins of the place name with an architectural perspective on Fontibre.

For the broader travel overview: Hermandad De Campoo De Suso.