Discover Matalbaniega

If you are planning a trip to Matalbaniega, you can shape your stay around two specific interests: the architectural and artistic history of the Iglesia de San Martín, or the “Pedaleando por el Románico” mountain biking loop. The church and the route offer different experiences: medieval architecture and sculpture on the one hand, and a technically challenging trail on the other.

The Iglesia de San Martín

The Iglesia de San Martín is dated to the late 12th or early 13th century. It originally belonged to the former San Martín convent, which was probably in operation for only a few years.

A corbel is a structural element that projects from a wall; more than 60 of these stones are set along the cornice. They depict erotic figures, musicians, real and fantastical animals, figures with books, and botanical and geometric motifs. Here, the building’s design and decoration are closely intertwined.

The church preserves two entrance portals on either side of the nave, the main lengthwise space of a church. It also houses a Gothic image of the Virgin and Child from the 14th century. This image is therefore dated later than the church’s construction period. On October 28, 1993, the Iglesia was recognized as a Bien de Interés Cultural. This recognition is a later legal milestone, distinct from the medieval construction period.

Mountain biking and landscape

“Pedaleando por el Románico” is a mountain biking loop that passes through Matalbaniega. The route is just under 60 kilometers long, includes slightly more than 1,000 meters of elevation gain, and is rated technically difficult. Distance, elevation gain, and technical difficulty describe different aspects of the route, so take all three into account when planning.

The loop can be used year-round, except during periods of snow in the Montaña Palentina. As snow conditions can vary, check conditions for your travel dates. “Romanico Norte II” leads into the landscape of the Parque Natural Montaña Palentina. The routes have different points of reference: “Pedaleando por el Románico” passes through Matalbaniega, while “Romanico Norte II” leads into the landscape of the nature park.

A date in November

The patron saint’s feast of San Martín Obispo is associated with November 11. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, check the latest event details in advance.

Use your reason for travelling to guide your hotel search

For a mountain biking trip, by contrast, the route length, elevation gain, technical difficulty, and snow-related exception all matter. If San Martín Obispo is relevant to your trip, take November 11 into account and check the latest dates. This can help you tailor your search to what matters most during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ledigos, Velilla Del Río Carrión, Loma De Ucieza, Camasobres, Villacibio, Cordovilla de Aguilar, Astudillo, Polentinos

See the main travel guide: Palencia.