Voto: History, Caves and Landscapes

If you’re looking for a hotel in Voto, you can plan your trip around a range of interests: historic architecture in San Pantaleón de Aras, archaeological traces in Cueva de la Chora, and outdoor activities. These offer different perspectives: architectural history can be explored through specific buildings, while caves and tours offer other ways to discover the area.

Architecture and local history in San Pantaleón de Aras

The surviving remains of the medieval Torre de Viluma are considered the ancestral home of the Alvear family. Casa de Sebastián de Albear is dated to 1638. Construction of the Iglesia de San Pantaleón de Aras began in the 15th century in the Gothic style; its floor plan follows a Latin cross. Together, these sites represent different architectural forms and historical periods: the medieval tower remains, a house dated to a specific year, and a church with a Gothic building phase. The church’s floor plan draws attention to its cruciform layout, while the other architectural landmarks each offer their own insights into local history.

Another historic building is the privately owned Casa de Pantaleón de Alvear. The rectangular ashlar building has small towers at its corners. Its corner design offers a different architectural accent from the church’s floor plan. Together, the buildings show the different ways historic architecture can be described: by its exterior form, its date, and its structural layout.

Caves and archaeological traces

Cueva de la Chora is one of the important caves in San Pantaleón de Aras. Groups of people used it from about 13,500 to 8,000 years before present. A layer from Magdalenian VI containing several pieces of portable art has also been identified in the cave. Cueva de la Chora therefore offers two archaeological perspectives: the time period when it was used and concrete evidence of a layer containing portable art. The cave is also of interest to travelers who want to learn about traces of early human activity.

Another historic site is Castillo de Mazarredonda. Visible remains of a subterranean, roughly rectangular tower structure have survived there. The castle is one of the fortifications in the Asón Valley, whose origins may date back to the early Middle Ages. This tentative dating differs from the specific year and century references for individual buildings in San Pantaleón de Aras: here, the focus is on the surviving structure and its possible early origins.

The Aras Valley and quad tours

The Aras Valley in eastern Cantabria is crossed by the Clarín and Clarón rivers. This landscape perspective complements the focus on buildings and archaeological sites.

Quad tours cross Tibetan bridges, muddy stretches and slides, and pass through densely forested areas with sweeping views. Unlike the study of historic architecture, these tours put the terrain itself at the forefront. Route details may change, so check them before planning your trip.

Getting there

From the Santander–Bilbao motorway, take exit 177 toward Treto; then turn right toward San Miguel de Aras. Check the local signs.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: San Miguel De Aras, Camplengo, Vega De Liébana, La Maza, Limpias, Veguilla, Pumareña, Pedreña.

For the main travel guide: Cantabria.