Puntos de Interés
Municipality
Moneo
Moneo is a village belonging to the municipality of Medina de Pomar which, in the past, was at the head of the villages that made up the Aforados de Moneo, which included the towns of Bustillo, Villarán and Bascuñuelos. This group of towns was governed by the well-known Fueros de Vizcaya (charters).
A stroll through the town centre is enough to travel back in time through the baroque and neoclassical mansions distributed throughout the town, which are a clear reflection of the high economic level that Moneo has enjoyed throughout the ages. Perhaps the most outstanding element of this architectural heritage of Moneo, and also of Las Merindades, is the parish church of San Saturnino. It is a robust and beautiful Renaissance style temple built in the 16th century under the master stonemasonship of Juan del Ribero.
Visitors will find several treasures in this church, starting with a spectacular altarpiece that adorns the main altar, topped by a small image of the bishop. Also worth mentioning are a 16th century baptismal font and a chapel ordered by the Bishop of Pamplona, Mr. Pedro Fuente.
Apart from this religious building, the village still preserves the municipal washing place and a fountain with two spouts, the construction of which used limestone blocks. The ethnographic heritage of the village is completed with a large capacity mill that was in operation all year round.
Outside the town centre, there is a magnificent 17th century bridge, made up of seven semicircular arches and built with large sandstone ashlars, which helps to cross the river Nela.
The inhabitants of Moneo pay homage to their patron saint, San Roque, during the festivities in August. In addition, on the first weekend in September they gather at the chapel of Cantarranas, where the Virgen de Cantarranas is venerated.
