Loma de Montija: Camino Olvidado and Pilgrim History

Loma de Montija combines route connections along the Río Trueba with a long-standing pilgrim history. The Camino Olvidado de Santiago passes through the village on the stage from Nava de Ordunte to Espinosa de los Monteros. The GR-1006 also passes through the village; on the section near Loma, it follows the river. Together, the routes draw attention to different aspects: the course of a stage of the Way of St. James, the river landscape and the historical provision of food and shelter for pilgrims at San Ginés.

Routes through Loma de Montija

On the Camino Olvidado, the route reaches Loma de Montija at the first house in the village. It then crosses the main road and, after that, the bridge over the Trueba. Along the Camino, this creates a clear sequence from the first house, across the road, to the river crossing. The river is also a point of reference on the GR-1006: on the section near Loma, the route follows the Río Trueba and passes through the village.

River, ridge and karst landscape

Along the GR-1006, meadows and pastures are dotted with orchids in rainy springs. Near Loma, the route runs alongside Alto de Bedón, on the last foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains. The GR-1006 thus brings together different landscape features: the river in the village, a ridge in the surrounding area, and seasonal blooms in the meadows and pastures. The orchids appear in rainy springs.

Cueva de Humarraña is located in Loma de Montija, in the karst landscape of Ojo Guareña. Its location differs from that of Alto de Bedón: the cave is in the village, while the ridge rises in the surrounding area along the GR-1006. The two names point to different landscape features, without implying that the cave lies on the route.

The Ruta de los Monteros also offers a regional perspective on the province of Burgos. It connects the Ojo Güareña Natural Monument, the Lagunas de Gayangos ZEPA (Special Protection Area for Birds) and the Montes Obarenes-San Zadornil Natural Park. These three stops represent different protected-area and landscape designations: a natural monument, a ZEPA and a natural park.

Pilgrim history and local tradition

San Ginés in Loma de Montija was a monastic hostel where pilgrims were provided for. Their meals included a stew called olla calderona. The tradition of this dish led to the residents of Loma de Montija being nicknamed “calderones.” The local pilgrim history thus encompasses not only a route, but also the historical reception and care of travelers. Olla calderona and the nickname it inspired link this history to a specific local tradition.

Santa María Church

On February 27, 2024, part of the church in Loma de Montija collapsed due to bad weather. The bell gable, or espadaña, was reduced to rubble. If you plan to visit the church, check the current situation before your visit.

Loma de Montija as a destination for your hotel search

When choosing your destination, you can weigh the route and landscape connections against the historical significance of San Ginés.

Discover more destinations: Noceco, San Pelayo, El Ribero, Las Quintanillas, Santo Domingo De Silos, Medina de Pomar, Santa Cruz De La Salceda, Rabé de las Calzadas.

For the broader travel overview: Burgos.