Maoño can be explored through several distinct aspects: a local walking route passes through Azoños and Maoño, while historic houses and religious buildings mark different periods. There is also the Cantabrian holm oak forest of Peñas Negras, offering its own perspective on nature and views. You can get to know the area through both its landscape and its architectural history.
Walking Routes and Landscape
The local route “Av. Juan de Herrera (junto al Molino) – Ermita de San Mateo” is a walk through Azoños and Maoño. On the way to Maoño, it crosses a small plateau open towards the Camargo valley. Further along, the route heads north towards the La Jaya neighbourhood and San Mateo. The landscape and named places thus provide the route’s main points of reference. Route information can change, so check the latest information about the trail before setting out.
Peñas Negras offers another perspective. A route described in 2018 led from Maoño through the Cantabrian holm oak forest to Alto de la Gigüela. The forest, with its holm oaks, strawberry trees and blackthorns, provides shelter for tawny owls, foxes and squirrels. If you are interested in a guided interpretation, check separately whether one is currently available.
In 2018, information panels about fauna, flora and geology were described along the walking trail through Peñas Negras. When visiting, check whether they are still there. At the time, a newly built viewpoint at Alto de la Gigüela was also described, with views over the Bay of Santander. Visibility can depend on the weather and vegetation. The historical timeframe is important when planning: the description from that time alone does not tell you what you will find there today.
Houses and Historical Layers
Two houses in Maoño offer distinctive architectural points of reference. The Casona de los Molleda has a 17th-century ashlar stone entrance. The Casa de los Portilla was built in the 18th century and is located in the Rillo neighbourhood. It stands on a small rise, from where panoramic views extend across Maoño and towards the Church of San Vicente. Vegetation and weather can affect visibility. The two houses reflect different periods of construction; there is no need to assume that they share a single history of origin.
San Vicente also brings together several historical references. The church is considered a surviving visible testament to an ancient place of worship that may date back to the 12th century; its first documented mention dates from 1679. Inside is an altarpiece from 1730. Its central niche contains a seated depiction of the Virgen Reina from the 16th century. These dates refer to different aspects of the building and its furnishings.
Another inscription can be found on the façade of the San Mateo chapel. It is partly erased, names Melchor de la Portilla as administrator and gives the year 1693. The chapel also contains a scallop-shaped niche with the saint. The local route links the chapel to pilgrims who once travelled the Way of St James. This adds a cultural dimension to the architectural evidence, reflecting the recorded connection with pilgrims.
A Dated Glimpse of the Festivities
The 2023 programme for the Fiestas del Agua offers a specific example of local festivities: a game of Bolos was held, and potatoes with chorizo were handed out on the final day. This describes the programme for that year; food and activities may vary. If you would like to plan a visit around the festival, check the latest dates and programme details.
Discover more destinations: Soto De La Marina, Sancibrían and Mompia.
For the broader travel overview: Santa Cruz De Bezana.
