Queveda

Queveda combines a protected historic building with examples of religious architecture and a named walking route. The Torre de Beltrán de la Cueva represents the town’s civil architecture; the Ermita de la Virgen de las Nieves and the parish church of San Andrés add to the picture of Queveda’s architectural history. Different periods of construction and architectural details each make their own mark.

Accommodation and tourist services

Queveda is now one of the districts of the municipality of Santillana del Mar with the largest range of accommodation and tourist services. Check the services included in each specific offer separately to ensure your choice suits your travel needs.

The Torre de Beltrán de la Cueva

The protected area around the Torre comprises interconnected geographical, natural, and landscape features. These are intended to promote appreciation and understanding of the protected building. The Torre itself is a fortress built of cut stone, dating from the late 15th or early 16th century.

In 1981, the Torre was declared a National Monument and a Bien de Interés Cultural. It is also considered the most representative building of Queveda’s civil architecture. Its protected status, construction, and dating give the building a distinctive historical context, while the protected area extends the view beyond the building to its surrounding features.

Religious buildings and local history

Religious architecture is also part of Queveda’s cultural identity. The Ermita de la Virgen de las Nieves has a Solomonic-style altarpiece. The parish church of San Andrés was built in 1927 on the site of an earlier medieval church. Together, a named architectural detail and the construction history of a church building offer different ways of exploring local history.

An early written reference adds to these architectural landmarks: the first written mention of Queveda, “in villa Quepeta,” dates from 1006. It provides an early historical reference alongside the later architectural evidence. The church’s 1927 date and its medieval predecessor also make clear that the present church building and its history span different periods.

Walking and festivals

A municipal tourism description published in 2017 lists the guided walking route “Queveda–Mijares–Queveda” as one of the final guided walks around Santillana del Mar. It is approximately 5 km long. This information refers to the program at that time; if you plan to take the guided walk, check the current dates before your trip. The approximate distance provides a practical reference for planning your time.

Queveda’s annual Nuestra Señora de las Quintas festivities include cooking competitions, parades with giant figures, children’s games, open-air dances, and concerts. The program also includes a solemn mass, a Montañes-style Romería, and public tastings. If you would like to include the celebration in your travel plans, check the current dates and program in advance.

Places of interest in the municipality of Santillana del Mar

Beyond Queveda’s own buildings, there are other regional landmarks. Mijares is home to the Palacio de la familia Peredo, also known as the Palacio de Mijares; it has been protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural since 1995. The Camino de Santiago passes through Viveda on its way into the municipality of Santillana del Mar. These names help place Queveda in the wider municipal context while distinguishing the different locations.

Discover more destinations: Ubiarco, Viveda.

Return to the main travel guide: Santillana Del Mar.