Pumareña offers two distinct starting points for planning a trip: San Miguel Chapel, with its specific architectural features, and a designated route that passes through the village. Historical references to the village and to bowling add to these attractions. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether to focus on architecture and local history or on a hiking stage. It is also worth giving the journey there some attention when planning.
The Chapel and the Village’s Appearance
An architectural description published in 2013 classifies San Miguel Chapel as a small chapel in the Gothic tradition dating from the 15th century. The building is made of masonry and has a pointed-arch entrance. A projecting portico is supported by two wooden pillars. Several distinct aspects come together in this small building: its historical classification, the shape of the entrance, and the materials and supporting elements of the porch. Those interested in architectural history can consider these details separately rather than viewing the chapel only in terms of its date.
The village’s appearance includes two streets with arcades; Pumareña is also described as being surrounded by vineyards. Another architectural feature is the heraldic house of Cástor Gutiérrez: it is built of dressed stone blocks and bears the coats of arms of Celis and Salceda. The view thus extends from the streets and landscape to the coats of arms on a single house.
Historical References and Bowling Tradition
A local historical account gives 984 as the year Pumareña was mentioned in the cartulary of Santo Toribio. At the Bolera de San Miguel, the focus shifts from local history to the bowling tradition: there is documented evidence of the bowling alley dating back almost two hundred years. A letter from Pumareña resident Hilario de las Cuevas, dated 2 August 1842, records Sunday bowling games in Bedoya. The letter places these games in Bedoya. An account dated 24 September 2016 records a mass followed by a procession at that year’s San Miguel celebration in Pumareña, as well as a performance by the folk group “La Fuente de Tondosa.” These references range from an early mention of the village to a dated note about bowling and a specific programme of events from 2016.
Route and Getting There
A hiking guide from 2012 describes the designated PR-S 04 route as a trail between San Pedro de Bedoya and Trillayo that passes through Pumareña. The same 2012 hiking guide describes the PR-S 04 Camino de Pasaneu as crossing from Lafuente to Potes. The descriptions distinguish between the route passing through the village and the route described as a crossing. Check the current route before setting out.
Pumareña has no road; access is limited to a path that was paved in 2005. As its condition and surface may have changed since then, check your route before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Villaescusa, Revelillas, Villaverde De Pontones, Laredo, Dueso, Terán, Trasvia, Herada
For the regional travel overview: Cantabria.
