Tourist attractions Puente Viesgo

The prehistoric Altamira Caves are among the most famous in the world. Discovered in 1879, they are made up of various galleries with paintings and engravings on the walls that go back to the Solutrean age. The original caves can no longer be visited..

Devoted to the Altamira period, the highly informative museum shows visitors the way of life and art of Palaeolithic man, which is both interesting and attractive (audio-visual aids, animation, tables, etc.). A visit to the New Cave allows the public..

This cave was painted at the end of the Palaeolithic (Aurignacian to Magdalenian) period. The many simple contours, some unfinished - 750 have been counted in all - are dispersed and often difficult to see. Many remain a mystery to this day.

In this former iron mine on the Cabarga Sierra, an environmental rehabilitation programme has been put into place. It includes a wildlife park where you can see animals from all continents living in semi-freedom.

Although its apse is of a very pure Romanesque design, its façade lacks a little unity. However, because of the harmonious disposition of its bays and towers, as well as its beautiful golden colour, it fits very well into the square. Inside, note fou..

In the little winding valley of the Pisueña, the church of Santa Cruz de Castañeda , a former collegiate, was begun in the late 12C. The deep portal's elegance is due to the alternating concave and convex archivolts.

This restored 16C convent of the Order of St. Clare houses the Diocesan Museum . Popular religious art.

The Villa House is distinguished by its semi-circular balconies. The quarters of the coat of arms contain all the devices: the emblem of the Villas, which features an eagle with wings unfurled and pierced by an arrow, carries the following inscript..

Lining this triangular square are the Parador Gil Blas , the 14C Merino Tower , the battlements of which appear to be under the roof and the Borja-Barreda Tower and its elegant gateway with Gothic arch. The town hall occupies an 18C building.

Head alongside the collegiate church to admire the Romanesque apses and the Velarde Palace which has retained its Renaissance appearance following restoration.

The museum is hosed in a 17C home and contains furniture, utensils and work instruments found across the province. Upstairs, there are souvenirs of Pedro Velarde, a hero of the War of Independence.