Ramales de la Victoria is much more than a crossroads between sea and mountains. In this corner of Cantabria, cave art manifests itself in its purest and most ancestral form, while the historical routes evoke the passage of one of the most powerful figures in Europe: Emperor Charles V. Here, the stones speak... and have done so for more than 25,000 years.

CROSSROADS: BRANCHES OF VICTORY

Ramales is surrounded by some of the most important Paleolithic caves in Europe. The silence of the mountain is only apparent: inside, the walls tell stories of ice, animals and primitive symbols.

  • CovalanasSecond cave art cave discovered in Spain, after Altamira. Its famous red hinds, about 25,000 years old, painted in deep ochre, observe you from the bowels of Mount Pando. The visit, in the dark and by torchlight, is an emotional journey back to the Ice Age.
  • CullalveraA few metres from the city centre, this cave is a natural colossus. Although it is better known for its geological beauty than for its paintings (some of which are still being researched), it is surprising for its dimensions: a 40-metre high entrance leading to an imposing underground world.
  • A privileged prehistoric environmentRamales is home to many other prehistoric treasures and in the surrounding area there are other gems of rock art that are World Heritage Sites.

In 1556, Charles V crossed Ramales on his last journey to retire to the Monastery of Yuste. He did so old and tired, but still majestic. He followed paths that you can follow yourself today:

  • The Haza WayNatural path that leads to Covalanas and that the emperor used to cross the river Calera on his way to Lanestosa.
  • The forgotten bridgeBuilt in local stone, this pontoon, nowadays isolated from modern routes, was witness to the passage of centuries and perhaps of Charles V himself. It is hidden where the rivers Asón and Gándara meet.

RELATED ROUTES:

The Country of Altamira

Charles V: The Emperor's Last Journey

EXPERIENCES

What makes Ramales de la Victoria unique?

Because few places combine the emotion of humanity's oldest art and the imprint of an emperor in such a small space. Here stone doesn't just build, it also counts. Are you ready to explore a natural museum with an imperial soul?

Don't get lost:

  • The natural environmentwaterfalls and forests that envelop the caves as if they were guarding a secret.
  • GastronomyThe mountains and the proximity to the sea offer a variety of dishes with hints of the past. A journey in itself

OTHER CROSSROADS

ALBARRACIN

ALCALÁ LA REAL

BAENA

BENASSAL

BURGOS

CÁCERES

CARMONA

FROMIST

LEON

MERIDA