Bárcena De Cicero: Wetlands and Architectural Heritage

If you take nature and architectural history into account when choosing a destination, Bárcena De Cicero offers two clear themes: the wetlands along the rías and a diverse architectural heritage. When looking for a hotel, you can consider whether you would prefer to shape your stay around the landscape, birdlife, or historic buildings. The different places and descriptions provide specific points of reference.

Wetlands, Rías and Birdlife

Part of the protected Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel wetland lies between the Rías de Ano and de Treto in the municipality of Bárcena de Cicero. Here, brackish water and rainwater meet across shallow waters. The area provides a habitat for diverse plant and animal life, connecting the waterscape with a broad ecological habitat.

The Marisma de la Saca lies on the road between Cicero and Santoña. Numerous dead trees define the landscape, their trunks rising out of the water. Several dozen little egrets use the marsh as their main roosting site within the reserve. Their numbers can vary seasonally, so sightings may not always be the same.

The Playón de Cicero shows the influence of the tides particularly clearly: at low tide, it is the largest area of the estuary exposed by the receding water. There is also intensive shellfish gathering there, particularly of fine clams and rough razor clams. The landscape and its use are closely linked to the water level, making low tide an essential part of the description of this place.

The timing of the birdlife is also described specifically. During the period of greatest concentration, in late December and early January, 10,000 to 20,000 birds from 50 different species were counted in the Marismas de Santoña, Victoria y Joyel. The numbers can vary from year to year. The period mentioned provides seasonal guidance, but does not represent a consistent count. This period of concentration refers to the Marismas as a whole, while the little egrets are a separate feature associated with the Marisma de la Saca.

Churches and Historic Buildings

Construction of the Church of Santa María de Bárcena de Cicero began in the second half of the 17th century. It has three naves with ribbed vaults and houses a Churrigueresque altarpiece dating from around 1710. The design describes the layout of the church interior; the altarpiece adds a distinct feature whose date is approximate.

The Church of San Pelayo in Cicero is a 17th-century building with a cruciform floor plan and ribbed vaulting. Its altarpiece is dated 1633 and is by Rodrigo de Los Corrales. The two churches can therefore also be distinguished by their furnishings: San Pelayo’s altarpiece has an exact date and a named artist, while the altarpiece in Santa María is dated approximately to 1710.

The Palacio y Capilla de Alvarado is located in Adal, in the upper part of the village, in the Barrio de la Maza. The protected ensemble is Baroque and dates from the second half of the 18th century. In Gama, the Palacio y Capilla de Rugama adds to the architectural landscape: this impressive Baroque manor house comprises a portal, a tower adorned with a coat of arms, an adjoining manor house, and a pantheon chapel.

Also in Gama is the Palacio de la Colina, which is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural. The Baroque palace dates from the 18th century; its construction was commissioned in 1759 by Don Juan Antonio de la Colina y Rasines. The descriptions of the two palaces therefore differ: the focus for the Rugama ensemble is its components, while for the Palacio de la Colina it is its protected status and the specific date it was commissioned.

Ambrosero also offers a range of historical points of interest. There is a Rococo high altar from 1770 by Cosme de Vierna and Manuel Ortiz de Palacio. In the Barrio de la Madama, remains of a former residence have been preserved; the historic site is associated with an arrival from Colindres in 1584. The precisely dated altar and the surviving remains of the residence thus offer different points of reference for the history of the buildings and the area.

Views and a Crossing over the Ría

The Mirador de las Marismas in Cicero is a viewpoint offering exceptional views over the coast. After leaving the forest, the Ruta de Vidular offers views over the valley and, in clear weather, of the sea as well. The views are different: the coast is the focus at the Mirador, while the Ruta offers the valley and—depending on visibility—the sea.

The Puente de Treto provides another link between landscape and architecture. Built in 1901 by the Eiffel company, the metal bridge crosses the Ría de Treto and connects Adal with Colindres. Unlike the churches and palaces, it is both an engineering structure and a transport link between two places.

Discover more destinations: Gama Bárcena Cicero, Gornazo, Ampuero, Entrambasaguas, Cohiño, Ribamontán Al Monte, Ruiloba, Colsa.

Go to the regional travel overview: Cantabria.