Municipality

Ontaneda

Located on the left bank of the River Pas, in the municipality of Corvera de Toranzo, Ontaneda sits in the heart of the Toranzo valley. With a population of over 500 inhabitants, it is larger than the neighbouring Alceda, of which it originally considered a district. Its name, derived from the term fontaneda, meaning "place of springs", refers to the wealth of water that defines its identity.

One of Ontaneda's natural attractions is a spring of sulphurous thermal waters, known since Roman times, as evidenced by the coins found in the area. Although in the past these waters were used for the retting of flax and hemp, a practice that affected the health of the inhabitants and was banned, their healing properties were later valued for treating skin conditions and ulcers. This resource inspired the construction of the emblematic Palacio de Ontaneda in the 18th century, the work of Francisco de Bustamante y Guerra. This majestic building, which once served as a spa and hosted Isabel II, now houses the Centre for Historical Study of the Spanish Railways, a space that preserves Spain's industrial memory.

Ontaneda's economy, traditionally based on livestock farming, has shifted over the last 20 years towards the secondary and tertiary sectors. Taking advantage of the local produce, dairy production and rural tourism in particular have been developed. The dairy sector, of course, is central to some of the sweet attractions of Cantabria's gastronomy like sobaos and quesadas.

In terms of religious heritage, the Church of San Juan Bautista stands out, a neo-gothic temple built between the 17th and 18th centuries, which has recently been restored to conserve its historical and artistic importance.

Ontaneda's locals celebrate a unique festival every year, called La Boñiguera or Muñiguera, which takes place on the first Saturday in June. This pilgrimage has its origins in a promise made by the villagers in the 18th century after a devastating cholera epidemic. The celebration begins with a lively parade through the streets of the village and culminates at the Shrine of Sel del Tojo, where a mass is celebrated followed by an open-air meal in honour of Santa Isabel.