Orography

River Ebro Canyon

The Merindades region is known for the canyons, gorges and karst formations that the river Ebro has been carving out of the limestone rock since time immemorial.

The geological origin of this region dates back to the Mesozoic, more than 66 million years ago, a period in which a high sedimentation of marine materials took place, as a large part of the Peninsula was submerged at that time. These sedimentary materials were gradually compacted and subsequently uplifted during the Alpine orogeny.

The abundance of watercourses, rainfall and rivers are what, with perseverance and time, have been eroding the rock, giving rise to these formations that are still being shaped. One of these formations is the La Horadada gorge, which is created between the mountain ranges of La Tesla and La Llana, when the river Ebro receives the waters of the river Oca and undergoes an abrupt change of course.

This natural environment is surprising for its spectacular scenic beauty, which varies considerably depending on the time of year, and for its natural wealth, which includes forests of holm oaks, oaks, junipers, pines, beeches and even centenary yews.

The panoramic view of the gorge is quite impressive, as it lies behind the meander that the Ebro forms on the banks of the town of Trespaderne and the altitude can be appreciated, resulting in a spectacular landscape.

On the top of a limestone hill stands the legendary fortress of Tedeja which, just over 2.5 km from the town centre of Trespaderne, occupies an outstanding 721 m high peak belonging to the eastern foothills of the Sierra de La Tesla. This unique enclave overlooks the deep gorge carved by the river, which is one of the most spectacular natural passes between this mountainous area to the north of Burgos and the plain of La Bureba.

It is the oldest fortress in Castile and one of the most ancient in Spain. This defensive complex was crucial in the control of communications between the plateau and the Cantabrian Sea as early as Roman times. Its mighty walls, up to two metres wide, made this complex an almost impregnable fortress.

At the top of the gorge there is a viewpoint and a rest area to enjoy the views, rest after the climb or gather strength for the descent.