Bárcena Mayor Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Bárcena Mayor

Village

Country


Spanish Property of Cultural Interest
Type:	Non-movable
Criteria:	Historic ensemble
Designated:	7 December 1979
Reference #:	RI-53-0000228

Bárcena Mayor is a very old village. It is hidden in the mountains of Cantabria, Spain. This special village is part of the Los Tojos area. It is the only village where people live inside the Saja Reservation. This park is in the Saja and Nansa valleys.

Discover Bárcena Mayor
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Discover Bárcena Mayor

The Argoza River flows right through Bárcena Mayor. This village is a great example of how medieval villages in Cantabria looked. Many people say it is the oldest town in all of Cantabria!

In 1979, Bárcena Mayor was named a "historic-artistic site." This happened because the village was so well-preserved. This special title helped get money to fix the road leading to it. Now, it's easier for visitors to reach this amazing place. The road (CA-817) ends right at the village.

Village Life and Food

Bárcena Mayor is famous for its old-style buildings. It is also known for its tasty local food. You can try cocido montañés, which is a hearty stew. They also serve delicious game meat.

Only people who live in the village can drive cars inside. Most visitors walk through the streets. This lets you really see the old medieval buildings. You can also enjoy the tall mountains all around you. Bárcena Mayor is now one of the most visited towns in the Cantabria region.

Ancient Roads and Buildings

In the village, you can find an ancient Roman road. People have been using this road for almost 2,000 years! The houses and other buildings are made of stone. They show how people built homes in the mountains long ago. Many have wooden balconies and windows.

Most buildings face south. This helps them get the most sunlight for warmth. The village has old public laundries in the main square. You can also find bakeries, barns, and stables. There are shops where you can buy gifts and places to eat. You might hear cows with bells around their necks grazing nearby.

Special Woodwork

The buildings in Bárcena Mayor show early forms of woodworking. This type of woodworking became very special in Cantabrian architecture. The wooden balconies are a great example. Local woodworkers also make things like yokes for cattle, sandals, and walking sticks. They also make special cutlery. These items are unique to rural Cantabria.

History and Nature

From the 1920s to the 1970s, Bárcena Mayor was a popular place for hunting. Wealthy hunters liked the quiet area and the many wild animals. It was also a spot for hunting Iberian bears and wolves. But these animals later became protected.

For a while, young people started leaving the village. There were not many jobs there. The village was very remote. It seemed like it might become empty. But in 1979, the government helped. They invested money to make it a tourist destination. This helped the village thrive again.

Many hiking trails start from the village. They lead up into the mountains. The paths can be steep. But the area is very green and full of local wildlife.