Cabrojo: Rock Art, Hermitage and Routes

Cabrojo combines protected rock art with historic buildings and a range of routes through the landscape. When choosing a destination, it is therefore worth considering the specific features that define the area: the sites at Braña de los Pastores, the Ermita de Las Nieves and routes associated with the Valle de Cabezón. This will help you decide whether you would prefer to focus your stay on cultural heritage, a walk or a cycling route.

Rock Art and Archaeological Heritage

The rock art sites at Braña de los Pastores are protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the “archaeological zone” category. Braña comprises three sites with exposed sandstone outcrops and is considered one of the most significant examples of schematic rock engravings in Cantabria. One group includes five sandstone outcrops and has the largest number and variety of engravings of the three sites. This gives you several specific features to look out for at Braña: the outdoor setting of the outcrops, the sandstone formations and the engravings.

The Conjunto de Cabrojo also includes schematic rock art dating from the post-Palaeolithic period. Along with Braña de los Pastores, the rock art is therefore one of the area’s distinctive cultural heritage features.

Ermita de Las Nieves and Historic Buildings

The Ermita de Las Nieves was built in the late 17th or early 18th century, rebuilt in 1725 and restored in 1998. This sequence illustrates its architectural history: an early construction was followed by a rebuild and, later, a restoration. The chapel stands in a meadow in a natural setting, away from populated areas. Its landscape setting thus differs from that of the rock art sites, where the sandstone outcrops and engravings are the main focus.

A casona in Cabrojo also dates from the first half of the 18th century. Along with the history of the Ermita, it provides another historical reference point for the area’s architecture. If you are interested in the development of historic buildings, you can explore different structures and their respective dates.

Landscape, Routes and Getting There

Cabrojo lies in a low, flat vega. It is bordered to the south and east by the Saja River and to the north and west by the foothills. This description shows the transition between the flat valley floor and the adjoining foothills. The Ruta de Las Nieves offers views across the Valle de Cabezón and leads to the Ermita de Las Nieves, at an elevation of 240 metres.

You can take the Ruta de Las Nieves from Cabrojo. A walking path along the edges of the mies connects Cabrojo and Casar. The first route has a named destination and views, while the walking path is described by its two endpoints and its course along the mies. La Vuelta al Valle is a cycling route through the Valle de Cabezón. The activities therefore differ in their mode of transport and the route described: a cycling route through the valley, a route to the chapel or a walking path between Cabrojo and Casar.

Cabrojo lies right next to exit 244 of the A-8. For arriving by car, the exit is a clearly identified landmark. The route to the Ermita from Casar first follows a paved road, then a ribbed concrete path and finally an unpaved track. Surface conditions may change with the weather, so take the condition of the route into account when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Carrejo.

Go to the main travel guide: Cabezón De La Sal.