Las Loras Unesco Global Geopark stems from a local initiative focused on three main aims: the sustainable n

development of tourism resources, the protection of i

natural and cultural heritage and the research and a p

dissemination of this heritage. S

Las Loras are spread out over a vast territory within the n i provinces of and Palencia dominated by high k and monadnocks separated by impressive river r a

canyons drawing horizons broken by a mosaic of steppes, p meadows and gallery forests of enormous biodiversity. o e

So far seven trekking routes accessing sites of high G geological interest have been prepared and signposted. A guidebook describing most of these places along with other sites of environmental and cultural interest has also been published. This region does not only hold scientific and landscape interest but also extended archaeological (Palaeolithic sites, Neolithic dolmens and mounds, Iron Age forts), United Nations Las Loras architectonic (Romanesque and Pre-Romanesque Educational, Scientific and UNESCO Cultural Organization Global monuments) and historical heritage. An undisclosed Geoparks place confining the time between its stones. Peña Ulaña ()

What is a geopark? Geoparks in the World Geoparks in GLOBAL GEOPARKS NETWORK CABO DE GATA-NÍJAR (ALMERÍA) www.globalgeopark.org www.degata.com EUROPEAN GEOPARKS NETWORK SIERRAS SUBBÉTICAS (CÓRDOBA) www.europeangeoparks.org www.subbetica.com On 17 November 2015, the 195 Member States of dissemination of that geological heritage in order to SPANISH FORUM GEOPARKS SOBRARBE-PIRINEOS (HUESCA) UNESCO ratified the creation of a new label, the UNESCO promote environmental education, reassure a sustai- www.geoparques.eu www.geoparquepirineos.com LANZAROTE E ISLAS CHINIJO (LAS PALMAS, STA. CRUZ) Global Geoparks, during the general Conference of the nable development based on geotourism and contribute www.geoparquelanzarote.org Organisation expressing governmental recognition of the for the protection of those elements of geological EL HIERRO (ISLAS CANARIAS) importance of managing outstanding geological sites. interest that may be threatened. www.geoparqueelhierro.es A Geopark is a territory, which includes both a parti- The current concept of Geopark involves various COSTA VASCA (GIPUZKOA) cular geological heritage and its own sustainable stra- natural and cultural facets as to reach the goals for the www.geoparkea.com MOLINA-ALTO TAJO (GUADALAJARA) tegy. It must have clearly defined boundaries and development of a territory: education, geosciences www.geoparquemolina.es sufficient surface area to generate its own economic research, natural and cultural heritage acknowled- SIERRA NORTE (SEVILLA) development. It is not legally protected, although it gement and dissemination, communication between the www.sierranortedesevilla.es should contribute for the conservation and dissemi- Geoparks and the society and dissemination of natural VILLUERCAS-IBORES-JARA (CÁCERES) Vwww.geoparquevilluercas.es nation of the geological territory and, therefore, the sciences. Jeju (Korea) Bohemian Paradise (Czech Republic) CATALUNYA CENTRAL (BARCELONA) quality of life of its inhabitants and the geological wealth In short, a Geopark is based on its geological peculiari- www.geoparc.cat are both very important. ties but it is not all about geology. Its goals must explore, LAS LORAS (BURGOS-PALENCIA) The mineralogical, geophysical, geomorphologic, develop and enhance the relationship between its www.geoparquelasloras.es paleontological and landscape resources specific to each geological heritage and all other heritage elements in the ORÍGENS (LLEIDA) GLOBAL www.geoparcorigens.cat/es/ Geopark are intended to be used as the basis for the area, whether they are natural, cultural or intangible. GEOPARKS NETWORK MONTAÑAS DO COUREL (LUGO) www.courelmountains.es/

Seven reasons to visit Las Loras

1. To experience the awe provoked by large open Palaeolithic and follow the Megalithic traces of the and inhabited spaces. first Neolithic shepherds and farmers and step into 2. To discover the history of our planet from a the life scenery of the Cantabrian people who stunning geological landscape created during the fought the Roman legions. last 215 million years. 6. To feel thrilled with the organic simplicity of the 3. To enjoy the rediscovery of a rural world still rural Romanesque art, here represented as genuine in its architecture and popular customs and nowhere else, emerged in each village in times of traditions. medieval repopulation alongside the old paths 4. To appreciate and understand the biodiversity, travelled by European pilgrims since the 9th which is here respected and preserved in century, long before the big cathedrals existed. Las Tuerces (Villaescusa de las Torres) monuments and protected natural areas and that 7. To surprise yourself with the quality and thrives in caves and undergrowths, in vertical cliffs, warmness of the reception and support services, in high karstic moorlands, in open fertile valleys like geotourism for sensitive and demanding visitors, a the tortuous gorges of the Ebro, Rudrón, Odra and trip with a sense of the territory, predisposed to the Pisuerga rivers. emotion arising from the experience and the 5. To trek around the hidden sites settled by the knowledge. primitive villagers, hunters and gatherers from the Oil Museum ()

Orbaneja del Castillo

High medieval rupestrian church (Olleros de Pisuerga) y Peña Mesa

GEOTRAILS SELF GUIDED WITH MARKERS AND INFORMATION PANELS The Forces of the Earth. From Rebolledo de la Torre. Folds and thrust faults from the Alpine Orogeny throughout a WITH A GEOPARK SPECILIZED GUIDE stunning path taking us to Peña Mesa. Modalities: The Memory of the Moorland. From Los Franceses cave Ebro and Rudrón canyons The whole Las Loras. A one-day-trip on a minibus with in Revilla de Pomar. A walk through the karst of Valdivia short walks around sites and villages of high geological, high altitude moorland to discover caves, sinkholes, Las Loras environmental and cultural interest in each area of the limestone pavements and a large menhir. GEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE Geopark. The Time Staircase. From Villaescusa de las Torres. The Reception Centre of the Geopark in . Singular places. Half-day visit and walk through places of Mesozoic sedimentary rocks, which explain a geological special landscape relevance and high geological, natural history of more than 200 million years and guide us to Las ASSOCIATED CENTRES and cultural interest. Tuerces ruinform landscape, a small “enchanted town”. - Municipal museum of Villadiego (ethnography, painting). Canto Hito menhir (Revilla de Pomar) Historical Paths. on foot or by mountain bike through the Urban geological route “Aguilar Limestones”. From - Parish museum of sacred art (Villadiego). old pilgrim and transhumance routes across the Geopark Aguilar de Campoo. A stratigraphical formation of great - Comic museum “Fabulantis” (Villadiego). territory. Routes: Old Santiago Way (Nestar-Salinas de scientific importance in a short route marked by www.centrosdeinterpretacion.cuatrovillas.es Las Loras Pisuerga), Pissoraca Road (Alar del Rey-Nestar), The monuments. Muleteer Path (San Martín de Elines-Villadiego). Monte Bernorio archaeological route. From Villarén de Las Loras NATURAL LANDSCAPE Walks and Science. Half-day route with local heritage ASSOCIATED CENTRES Valdivia. An important pre-Roman site of a Cantabrian specialists of different fields of scientific knowledge. CULTURAL LANDSCAPE - Interpretation centre of (Sedano). fortified town and its Roman military camps. Geology, botany, ornithology and archaeology routes. ASSOCIATED CENTRES - Archaeological classroom (Sedano). Cueva del Agua georoute. From . Pathways and Landscape: itineraries throughout sites of - Los Franceses cave (Revilla de Pomar). - Holiday resort of Burgos University Short route to the Hurón River sink (Water cave). heritage and landscape interest which can only be www.lacuevadelosfranceses.es Miguel Delibes (Sedano). www.residenciasedano.com Sargentes de la Lora historical route. From the Oil reached on foot. Linear or circular, half or full day routes - ROM, Romanic museum and Monastery of Santa María - Interpretation centre of Natural Park Alto Ebro and Museum. Itinerary throughout the buildings of the Civil la Real (Aguilar de Campoo). www.santamarialareal.org Rudrón canyons (Quintanilla-Escalada, in project). War (Cantabrian Front) and Neolithic dolmens. For more information about georoutes programme and - Sacred art colection of Colegiata de San Miguel - Oil museum (Sargentes de la Lora). Odra springs georute. Waterfalls and streams through a calendar, please check: http://geoparquelasloras.es/. - Sculptor Ursi museum (Aguilar de Campoo). - Ethnographic museum Félix Arroyo (Basconcillos del Tozo). structural landscape www.aguilardecampoo.com www.valledesedano.org

Preview of the general programme of activities Public meetings. Presentation and communication of ENVIRONMENTAL VOLUNTEERING & FRIENDS OF THE academic works on scientific research of geological, GEOPARK MY WAY Scientific tourism. Programme of visits and residence for natural and cultural heritage. Social volunteering groups for geological, natural and Information and tourist services guide. Villadiego Visi- academic groups of teaching and research. LAND ART SPACE cultural heritage conservation and custody in Las Loras tors Reception Centre. On demand. Special programmes designed for Setting up an informal space formed by people with territory and to support the Geopark. Routes on foot, by bicycle and by road. Signposted or individuals or groups, dates as well as contents, services artistic concerns somehow linked to the territory, as a PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM not, to be made by own means and with the help of maps. and budgets can be arranged according to convenience. node of the Arte&Territorio Forum, along with Espacio Encouragement of tourism-business associations around Las Loras Geotour. Discover the Geopark and its sites of GEOLODAY & GEOWEEK Tangente Contemporary Creation Centre and the Con- Las Loras brand as a tourism destiny. Support for staff and interest using geocaching and GPS technology (under Workdays for dissemination of geological heritage in Las temporary Art Museum of Castilla y León (MUSAC). companies in the tourism sector. work, available from June 1st 2018 Loras (Geolodays of Palencia and Burgos) and European EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME Enhancement of institutional tourism cooperation. GEOTOURISM Geopark Network (Geoweek). Production of learning material. Reinforcement of the Participation in fairs and other events of tourism to Programme of activities guided by specialists: GEOLORAS, LOCAL PRODUCT continuous training of local teachers. Scientific training promote the territory. Communication plan and Escapes. Activities for short stay visits guided from the Organisation of local producers and craftsmen sharing a activities and experiences in Las Loras territory advertising. Geopark Visitors Centre and the network of associated joint strategy of promotion and distribution of local coordinated with school centres. Support for exchange PUBLICATIONS, MAPS & GUIDES centres (half day to three days) and guided Geotrails products through an agreement of excellence and a label programmes with schools from other national and Maps and general tourism guide. Communications, Programme (departures from Aguilar de Campoo, of quality and geographical indication. European Geoparks (Erasmus Plus Programme). resources, infrastructures and tourism services in the Villadiego and Sedano). MEETING WORKSHOPS PARTICIPATION IN NETWORKS territory (visitors centre, information, transports, lodging Active holidays. School and college campus. Family Courses and seminars. Learning about knowledge, Participation actions of Las Loras Geopark in the and meals). activities combining coexistence, entertainment and cul- techniques and skills related to heritage and local Geoparks networks (National, European and Global): Maps and specific guides of the geological, natural and ture. In Sedano, winter, spring and summer holiday time. development. meetings, exchanges, congresses, spreading and cultural territory. Social Tourism. Activities programme directed to local Academic meetings. Research and scientific papers dissemination, collaboration agreements, economic Geotourism maps. Routes on foot and by bicycle, active population, for deeper understanding of the territory. about different features of Las Loras territory. contribution, etc. tourism. Guidebooks of the Geopark activities.

La Horadada gorge (Mave) 1.000 Km2 undiscovered 215 millions of years of geological history 94 elements of geological interest catalogued pre-historical sites Romanesque art SPAIN 10 figures of environmental protection unique landscapes

Santander Bilbao

Aguilar de Campoo Vitoria Sedano Las Loras Villadiego Burgos Palencia Organización Las Loras de las Naciones Unidas Geoparque para la Educación, Mundial de la Ciencia y la Cultura la UNESCO Rudrón canyon (Hoyos del Tozo) Covalagua (Revilla de Pomar) Valladolid

1 N-61 SITES OF GEOLOGICAL A-67 Orbaneja del Castillo R Rí Sites of Geological Interest o Ebro

í INTEREST Quintanilla de las Torres o

E

b

r o The geological interest of the territory provided the basis for the Cantabrian Mountain Range during a process called Alpine Oro- GEOMORPHOLOGY Polientes CANTABRIA Escalada Aguilar de Campoo R í o UNESCO to declare Las Loras a Global Geopark. 94 geological elements geny that went from 55 to 24 million years ago. As a consequence of

E b . 2 La Lora de Valdivia karst r Berzosilla o have been catalogued in less than 1000 km and they were grouped this collision, the sedimentary rocks underwent some folding and Pomar de Valdivia Oil Museum Las Tuerces karst PALENCIA Sargentes de la Lora around 12 geosites, some of them of international interest. Their fracturing that can be observed from many points of the Geopark, 7 2 Los Franceses cave 6 - distribution can be seen in the map illustrated alongside. where the limestone, marlstone and sandstone layers are to be found L Valdelateja Lora de Pata del Cid karst C Mave Río BURGOS Lu Most of them can be classified in the field of geomorphology and in vertical position or strongly folded. cio Las Loras structural reliefs Villaescusa de Ecla correspond to the most important reliefs in the northern half of the The rock fracturing system that crosses the region from east to west Quintanas de Valdelucio Rudrón y Alto Ebro canyons n Sedano region, like the deeply karstified moorlands and the limestone rocks is not so striking but holds great scientific interest and it is part of a ó

r

d

u transformed into canyons by the main rivers, Pisuerga and Ebro. The great fault that divides the whole of the Cantabrian Mountain Range. Active geological processes R

Basconcillos del Tozo

o í R contrast between the arid high plateaus and the rough forests The plentiful marine and continental fossil remains found in the shape Prádanos de Ojeda Rebolledo de la Torre MINING HERITAGE confined between the cliffs gives rise to landscapes of great beauty. of coral reefs or dinosaurs between layers of rock registered over 215 Alar del Rey Some outstanding points are the Cave of the French, Las Tuerces and million of years continuously are also important. There is also one of R Ayoluengo oil field Humada ío Ú rbel Rí C o the Canyons of Horadada and Rudrón and Alto Ebro. Other places are the world's thickest accumulations of limestone deposited in palus- 7 S L a - 6 n 6 1 - A 2 1 n 7 A t 6 ón trine environments. - characterised by their structural component like the reliefs that are

R Amaya N

STRATIGRAPHY, PALEONTOLOGY í

o

P the source of outstanding horizons, which seem to come out of a The Ayoluengo oilfield deserves a special focus for the singularity i s PALENCIA Ordejón de Arriba

Mesozozoic sedimentary paleoenvironment u e

r Western, and take the significant name of high altitude moorlands. that its onshore towers represent in the region, for its history and for g

a BURGOS Basque-Cantabrian stratigraphic secuences Urbel del Castillo These hills have been modelled by water erosion over the last million being in active until recently allowing its extraction machines to be Montorio years but owe their shape to the alternation of different resistance standing today. R ío TECTONICS, STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY Ú materials and to their deformation due to the effort provoked by the Lastly, some active geological processes scattered all over the r Herrera de Pisuerga b N

e -

l 6

2

Alpine structures from B-C Belt 3 compression of the Iberian Plate against the Eurasian continent as a territory have been highlighted. Among them there are numerous CL N -6 -6 Ubierna fault and associated structures 27 27 consequence of the shifting of these tectonic plates. This collision cascades, upwellings and caves which are not included in the places of N between continents gave rise to the formation of the Pyrenees and interest under Karst designation. Diapiric structures Villadiego Huérmeces 0 10km Geopark Museum

La Ulaña seen from Peña Castillo (Ordejón de Abajo)

1 PLACES OF N-61 ALTO EBRO AND A-67 Places of Environmental Interest RUDRÓN CANYONS R Río Ebro ENVIRONMENTAL INTEREST í o

E

b

r The diversity of Las Loras natural environment and its good state of The steppe ecosystem of Las Loras moorlands is the most PN Alto Ebro and Rudrón canyons o

Aguilar de Campoo R í conservation enable the maintenance of a remarkable representation characteristic and the one with highest environmental value. These ENP Las Tuerces o

E b r of habitats, some of them very singular and rare in the Iberian are high, plain and rocky areas subjected to the cold, wind and ENP Covalagua o Peninsula and which are home to several threatened species of flora roughness where only creeping bushes can flourish, dominated by ZEC Las Tuerces COVALAGUA Sargentes de la Lora

7 2 3 62 6 N- and fauna. This biological wealth has worked in favour of the gorses, bearberries and heather with scattered holm oak groves and ZEC Covalagua - L Revilla de Pomar ZEC Humada-Peña Amaya C designation of 10 figures of environmental protection overlapping in rocky meadow areas. These landscapes have been modelled by the LAS TUERCES the enclaves of highest ecological value in the territory (7 sites of 2.000 ancestral livestock activities and present an uncertain future due to ZEC Alto Ebro and Rudrón canyons ZEC Riberbank of Arlanzón

Natura Network and 3 Natural Protected Spaces from Castilla and the recent regression and changes of these uses. n Sedano

ó r

ZEPA Humada-Peña Amaya d u

León Network, check map). R

The monotony of the moorland is interrupted by the multiple

o

í ZEPA Alto Ebro and Rudrón canyons R After historical periods with high degree of human occupation, manifestations of the karstic relief, with sinkhole fields, limestone Rebolledo de la Torre Basconcillos del Tozo depopulation and abandonment of the traditional activities in the last pavements and ruinform landscapes, which hold thick formations of Code: PN (Natural Park), ENP (Protected Natural Humada decades have led to the regeneration of the forest in wide slopes, bushes and ferns. The systems of caves and pit caves originated by the Space), ZEC (Special Area of Conservation), ZEPA Alar del Rey

(Special Protection Area for Birds). C L 7 - moorlands and canyons. The steep relief and its strategic modelled underground are home to communities of cave fauna of 6 6 - 1 2 1 7 A 6 -

biogeographical position in the transition area between the Euro- great interest, such as bats and invertebrates. The active karstic N

R í

PROTECTED AREAS o

siberian and Mediterranean regions are two determining factors for dynamic allows the development of several Tufa upwellings which are P

i

s

u

e r

the remarkable wealth of habitats and species in Las Loras. able to create authentic terraced buildings and represent an Las Tuerces g a The holm oaks, Pyrenean oaks, gall oaks and beeches cover large extremely rare and threatened habitat. Covalagua Montorio areas, although other singular forests can be found, they are specific Other typical formations are deep canyons carved in the limestone RIBERBANK

Herrera de Pisuerga N

- to more Northern latitudes, hidden in the shades, like stands of yews, by the rivers Pisuerga, Rudrón, Ebro and Úrbel, where thick and HUMADA-PEÑA AMAYA 6 Alto Ebro and Rudrón canyons 2 OF ARLANZÓN 3 N lime tree and hazelnut tree groves, while in more heated areas there exuberant groves of ashes, willows and alders thrive with multitude of -6 C 27 L- Humada-Peña Amaya 62 are tree formations typical of the Mediterranean weather, like kermes colourful bush species. The presence of peat bogs with different types N 7 trees, strawberry trees and junipers. of specialized flora and fauna should also be highlighted. Riberbank of Arlanzón 0 10km Villadiego Huérmeces

Daffodil field

1 N-61 PLACES OF A-67 Roman road Places of Cultural Interest Orbaneja del Castillo CULTURAL INTEREST Necropolis CANTABRIA Quintanilla de las Torres A Geopark is not only a group of places of geological interest. The traces of Roman presence are scarce, but there are still some Aguilar de Campoo Polientes CANTABRIA Escalada Above all it is a territory devoted to telling stories to the visitor. Like sections of the strategic roadways of Northern Hispania, as well as Castro Bernorio ARCHAEOLOGICAL those stories told by the numerous archaeological sites, which host archaeological remains of the first settlements after the wars, like Pomar de Valdivia Necropolis Berzosilla Las Loras: from the funerary monumental set composed by the Huerta Varona next to Aguilar de Campoo. SITES Los Franceses cave La Cabaña dolmen PALENCIA Sargentes de la Lora Neolithic mounds and dolmens to the traditional paths through Several necropolises from the late medieval period stand out. It was 7 2 6 - L Necrópolis Canto Hito menhir Burial mound Valdelateja C which the goods travelled on the backs of mules until less than 50 here that the early Christian communities buried their deceased. Dolmen, burial and menhir Castro Cildá Roman road BURGOS years ago. Dolmen There are also some churches excavated directly in the rock, like Castro of the Iron Age Villaescusa de Ecla Mave Castle Paintings The recently restored La Cabaña dolmen in Sargentes de la Lora or Olleros de Pisuerga, considered as one of the most beautiful Roma- Oil field Sedano the Canto Hito menhir in Revilla de Pomar are some of the region's nesque rock hermitages. Other archaeological sites Hermitage Quintanas de Valdelucio Basconcillos del Tozo oldest buildings, but there are many more which are recognized by the For religious architecture lovers Las Loras keep one of the best sets Rebolledo de la Torre Tubilla del Agua Prádanos de Ojeda archaeologists, who consider this to be a privileged area for the study of Romanesque churches in Spain. The Santa María la Real Foundation MONUMENTAL Torre Humada of the Neolithic due to its great concentration of sites particularly in in Aguilar de Campoo is at the present one of the most important Castro La Ulaña Valdivia and Pata del Cid high altitude moorlands. study centres of the Romanesque in the Peninsula. Authentic jewels ARCHITECTURE Alar del Rey Peña Amaya C Castro L 7 The forts of the Celtiberian people from the Iron Age are located at like Santa María la Real Monastery itself, church in - 6 6 - 1 2 1 Amaya 7 A 6 Church and Romanesque Monasteries - Castro Tower N the top of the highest hillocks witnessing a tumultuous past. The Vallespinoso de Aguilar or San Julián and Santa Basilisa church in Castro Glen remains of these fortified towns tell us about a period of wars which Rebolledo de la Torre welcome the visitor with a touch of sobriety and Medieval rock hermitages PALENCIA Ordejón de Arriba Tower started with the development of metalworking and finished with the rotundity in style. BURGOS Castro Urbel del Castillo Medieval tower and castle Castro Roman occupation in the Peninsula. The network of traditional roads is more recent. An example of Castro Montorio Castro One of the largest forts in Europe is extended along the Peña Ulaña these roads is the one connecting the livestock production centres in Herrera de Pisuerga N Monumental village -

6

2 moorland on a surface of about 285 hectares. Other important forts Valderredible valley to the market in Villadiego, crossing the canyons

3 are those who crown Peña Amaya, Castro Cildá or Monte Bernorio, of the rivers Ebro and Rudrón by Santa Coloma, or the still conserved CL N Roman road / Cattle road -6 -6 27 27 N Valdegoba cave where the presence of an important Roman settlement during the sections of the walkways and paths crossed by sheep between Burgos VISITORS RECEPTION CENTRE (Neandertal) Cantabrian Wars was also reported. and Aguilar de Campoo. 0 10km Villadiego Huérmeces

DIPUTACIÓN FONDO EUROPEO GOBIERNO MINISTERIO AGRICOLA DE DE ESPAÑA DE AGRICULTURA Y PESCA, DESARROLLO RURAL: ALIMENTACIÓN Y MEDIO AMBIENTE Reserva Geológica de Las Loras DE BURGOS EUROPA INVIERTE EN LAS ZONAS RURALES

Turismo Sostenible en Espacios Protegidos

Más información sobre el proyecto en: www.geoparquelasloras.es Facebook: Geoparque Las Loras Youtube: geoparquelasloras Twitter and Instagram: geoparquelasloras / @geoloras Contacto: [email protected]

+34 659 046 747 Peña Amaya y Albacastro desde La Ulaña