Liandres: Chapels, Architecture and the Way of St James

Liandres: Architecture, Pilgrimage Route and Tradition

Those interested in Cantabrian architecture, religious traditions and the Camino de Santiago will find several specific points of interest in Liandres. The village belongs to the municipality of Ruiloba. The Ermita de la Virgen de los Remedios is a sight in Liandres, and Parque de La Corneja is also located in the village. Traditional houses and the procession in July add different architectural styles and a recurring festive tradition to the picture. Liandres can therefore be explored through a range of interests: sacred architectural history, Cantabrian housing styles, links to the Way of St James and local folklore.

Chapels and Their Architectural History

The Ermita de la Virgen de los Remedios, also known as the ermita del Remediu, stands on a hill with beautiful views of this part of Cantabria’s rugged, cliff-lined coast. It was built in the 19th century by architect Casimiro Pérez de la Riva. The chapel thus combines a documented architectural history with a striking setting in the landscape.

The Ermita de la Virgen del Pilar offers another architectural point of interest. It was built in the 19th century with a single nave, a rectangular floor plan and a semicircular apse. A single-nave building has one main nave; the rectangular floor plan describes its basic shape, while the apse forms the semicircular end. In 2010, the Ermita was restored through the efforts of local residents. Its architectural form and restoration history provide two distinct points of interest for learning about the chapel.

House Styles and Secular Architecture

The Casa de los Reyes represents a different type of architecture: it is an outstanding example of the secular Baroque architecture of the municipality of Ruiloba. Secular architecture refers to non-religious buildings, in contrast to the Ermitas. Several groups of traditional Cantabrian terraced houses stand beside the well-maintained square in the village of Liandres. The route through the village also passes traditional Cantabrian mountain-style houses with coats of arms. The local streetscape thus includes both sacred architecture and various forms of traditional residential and secular buildings.

The Way of St James and the Remedios Procession

The official route of the Camino de Santiago Costero, a route designated a World Heritage Site, runs east of Liandres town centre. The Camino de Santiago de la Costa extends into the village. This geographical context is useful when planning a trip: one route runs east of the town centre, while the Camino de Santiago de la Costa reaches Liandres. Those interested in the Way of St James can consider its route as another factor when choosing a destination, alongside the architecture and traditions.

Every year in July, the procession travels from the Ermita de los Remedios to the church, covering a distance of about two kilometres. The Remedios procession festival commemorates the Virgin Mary’s visit to Saint Elizabeth. During the celebration, the “danzas de lanzas” are performed; they are considered the municipality’s most important folkloric performance. If you would like to include the procession in your trip, check the current programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Pando, Concha

For the broader travel overview: Ruiloba.