San Pelayo combines a Romanesque church in the village with a range of destinations for outings on foot or by e-bike. At the Iglesia de San Pelayo, the apse, window and capitals take centre stage. The routes, by contrast, lead to the Aguasal Waterfall or the summit of Zalama. This means you can choose between local culture, forest and waterfall, or a hike to the summit for your trip.
Romanesque Details in the Iglesia de San Pelayo
The Iglesia de San Pelayo in the Ayega Valley preserves a Romanesque apse with a central window. Its capitals are decorated with chequerboard patterns and plant and animal motifs. Geometric patterns thus meet depictions of the plant and animal worlds. Anyone interested in architecture will find specific details in this combination to focus on, rather than taking away only the general term “Romanesque”.
The church also has a clear place on a regional route: “Route 1: The Legacy of Romanesque Art” lists it as the first stop in the Valle de Mena–Merindad de Montija travel area. The route thus places San Pelayo within a broader focus on Romanesque art; the apse and its window decoration provide the specific link to the village. If you include the route in your travel plans, check its current itinerary in advance, as route details can change.
Forest and Waterfall at Aguasal
The Cascada de Aguasal is formed by the Ordunte River. The path there passes through a small forest of beech, oak and pine trees. The waterfall is therefore reached by way of a stretch through the forest. This gives the outing a different focus from the view of the Romanesque apse: here, the watercourse and forest take centre stage.
Another option is the “e-Bike - Límites de las Merindades” route. On its return, it passes through wooded sections to the Aguasal Waterfall and ends in San Pelayo de Montija. This route thus connects the waterfall with a named itinerary that ends in the village. The forest path to the waterfall and the e-bike route offer different reference points for planning. Check the route details and trail conditions before setting off.
Hiking to Zalama
A hiking route from San Pelayo reaches the summit of Zalama, at an elevation of 1,343 metres. Alongside the forest and waterfall, this offers a hike with a specifically named summit as its destination. You can distinguish the route from the e-bike trail by its destination: this one leads to the summit, while the other passes through wooded sections on the return and ends at the waterfall and in San Pelayo.
When choosing between these outings, focus on the destination you want: waterfall and forest, the e-bike route, or a summit hike. Whichever option you choose, check the relevant route details in advance; route information or trail conditions may change.
Village Setting and Access
San Pelayo is a small village where livestock farming remains an important part of local life. Its vernacular architecture also includes a wide, covered bowling alley, alongside the church. The village thus has two distinct architectural points of interest: the Romanesque apse of the Iglesia de San Pelayo and the bowling alley as an example of vernacular construction.
San Pelayo de Montija can be reached via Agüera. Agüera lies on the road from Bercedo to Los Tornos Pass; a short, narrow paved stretch leads into the village. This provides guidance for getting there without going beyond the road route described. If you are planning your journey, check the current route and road conditions.
Discover more destinations: El Ribero, Noceco.
View the wider travel guide: Loma De Montija.
