Mariana has two sides: the Romanesque heritage of the Iglesia de San Pedro and trails through a mountainous landscape shaped by pine forests and limestone. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the townscape, hikes in the surrounding countryside and trips to the wider region. The Ruta del Románico del Campichuelo passes through Mariana and other municipalities; the Los amantes de Sotos route is a specific circular hike near the town.

Church and townscape

Mariana lies on a small hill at the entrance to the Campichuelo area. Its simple houses and compact streets reflect traditional architecture adapted to the mountain landscape. The Iglesia Parroquial de San Pedro was built in the 13th century, during a period of Christian resettlement that began in the late 12th century. Despite being remodelled in the 18th century, the church retains its original Romanesque structure.

The nave has a single aisle and ends in a semicircular apse. A square bell gable stands at the foot of the building; two facing portals are set into the south and north walls. Another notable feature is the baptismal font: it is considered an unusually decorated example from the province and bears three bands of interlaced round-arch motifs. The Iglesia de San Pedro can therefore be understood not only in terms of when it was built, but also through the form of its individual elements.

Hiking between the town and the mountain landscape

Mariana lies in the Serranía Media de Cuenca, a region of low hills, pine forests and limestone formations. The countryside and woodland around the town are suitable for easy walks and hikes. For a specific circular route, Los amantes de Sotos offers a different way to explore: the route, described in 2025, is almost nine kilometres long and passes through the Vega of the Mariana River.

The starting point is near Mariana, via the Camino del Sabinar. This branches off the CV-9116 shortly before it crosses the Mariana River. The route climbs Cabezuelas, a hill 1,028 metres high, with wide views over the Serranía de Cuenca; visibility depends on conditions. Along the way, forest tracks alternate with lightly marked paths. As trail conditions and markings can change, check local conditions before setting out.

The Ruta del Románico del Campichuelo offers a broader context beyond the town: it passes through Mariana and other municipalities in Campichuelo. You can use it to complement your look at Mariana’s Romanesque heritage with other places along the route, without confusing the Los amantes de Sotos hike with this route through several municipalities.

Trips in the surrounding area

The proximity of the city of Cuenca makes it possible to combine a stay in Mariana with a visit to the historic city. Cuenca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca also broadens the options for day trips: destinations mentioned include the Ciudad Encantada and the Laguna de Uña. Access arrangements can change; check conditions for these destinations before planning your visit.

Festivals and dates

The patron saint festival in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de la Salud takes place from 14 to 18 September. On the third weekend of October, Mariana celebrates what is known as the Fiestas de la Patata. As dates can change from year to year, check the dates for your travel year.

An account from September 2022 describes the Entrada de Moros y Cristianos as part of the procession after Mass. In this account, horses and swords feature alongside Muslim and Christian groups. A description from the same month also mentions the dancers of Marcos Pérez, who perform Paloteo dances in the street. These dated references add further insights into local traditions to the festival dates listed above.

Discover more destinations: Valhermoso de la Fuente, Huete, Almonacid Del Marquesado, Pajaroncillo, Salvacañete, Talayuelas, Las Zomas, Casas de Roldán.

For the regional travel overview: Cuenca.