Secadura: Archaeology, Heritage and Hiking

Secadura brings together archaeological evidence, architectural and festival culture, and a designated hiking route. This gives you a clear mix of themes to consider when planning your trip: you can focus on the archaeological finds from the caves, the Church of San Juan Bautista and the Palacio del Conde de San Carlos, or make a hike your main focus. If you’re looking for a hotel in Secadura, these specific themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests.

Church of San Juan Bautista and the tomb slab

Construction of the Church of San Juan Bautista in Secadura began in the late 15th or early 16th century and continued until the end of the 17th century. In a small chapel in the Gospel-side aisle is the tomb slab of the priest Gómez Fernández de Secadura. The piece is a Gothic limestone relief from the late 15th century, with a surface worked in very shallow relief. A ribbed vault and a shallow-carved tomb slab represent two different forms of design within the same church building. The slab dates to the early phase of the long construction period; the church itself was built through to the late 17th century.

Archaeological sites in Secadura

Excavations in Cueva del Otero revealed up to nine stratigraphic layers attributed to the Aurignacian, Magdalenian and Azilian periods. A frontal depiction of a goat-like animal’s head and a group of non-figurative lines were also discovered on the walls. The site thus combines information about stratigraphic layers with two specifically described forms of wall motifs. Cueva del Otero III, also known as Cueva de la Casa de los Cristales, lies behind Cueva del Otero in Secadura. It contains an archaeological site with two layers; the deeper one probably belongs to the Paleolithic. Another site is Cueva de Solviejo in Secadura. Pottery with fingertip impressions, smooth pottery and a small group of schematic-abstract depictions were found there. The caves therefore differ in the finds described for each: layers and wall motifs in Cueva del Otero, two archaeological layers in Cueva del Otero III, and pottery and depictions in Solviejo.

Palacio del Conde de San Carlos

In Valdelastras, Secadura, the Palacio del Conde de San Carlos stands on a small island formed by the Clarión River. The palace is protected as a Bien de Interés Local in the Immovable Property category; the corresponding resolution is dated August 11, 2005. The façades are made of limestone. The main façade features ashlar masonry, while the other façades are built of rubble masonry. Notable details include the moulded surrounds of the main entrance and balcony window, as well as the large central coat of arms. Its location, protected status and façade design provide different points of reference for understanding the building.

Festival and dance

In Secadura, La Pascua Tierradura, also called the Tierradura Festival, is associated with Easter Sunday and includes a Mass, procession, dancers and dancing. Secadura is also one of the places in the Junta de Voto whose dancers take part in the Grupo de danzas „Virgen de Palacios“. The group’s repertoire includes Cantabrian dances. The festival and the dance group offer two distinct cultural points of reference: the named festival and its components, and a group repertoire that includes Cantabrian dances.

Hiking and navigation

An official circular hiking route starts and ends at Parque del puente Indelagua. From Secadura, take the CA-267 towards Valdelastras. After approximately two kilometres of ascent, the hiking route reaches the Tejo Centenario. One hike descends for about three kilometres to the source of the Clarión River; there you’ll find a small dam, as well as the remains of an old mill and an ironworks. The route descriptions thus distinguish an ascent to the Tejo Centenario from a downhill section to the river source. If you’re planning a hike, check the current condition of the route.

Discover more destinations: Cotillo, La Maza, Noja, Camijanes, Ormas, Carriazo, Gornazo, Cartes

For the broader travel overview: Cantabria.