Bárcena Mayor

Bárcena Mayor is a mountain settlement in Los Tojos with stone houses and wooden balconies arranged tightly along narrow lanes on a slope. The village sits at roughly 495 meters elevation near the Argoza River valley.

The settlement originated in medieval times and maintained its traditional building style through the centuries. It received official recognition as a historical-artistic site in 1979, which prompted systematic preservation efforts for its structures.

The Church of Santa María stands at the village center with a distinctive bell tower that opens as a passage through its base. This design reflects how mountain communities built their religious spaces to serve daily movement through narrow settlements.

Private vehicles are restricted from the village streets, with access only for residents and deliveries. Local restaurants serve regional Cantabrian food and provide good stopping points when exploring the settlement.

Five different sundials are scattered throughout the village, each marking time in its own way. These time-keepers were created over generations by various residents adding their own hand-carved versions.

Location: Los Tojos

Elevation above the sea: 495 m

GPS coordinates: 43.14444,-4.19278

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:52