Centro de Interpretación del Románico en Cantabria
Interpretation centre housed in the Romanesque church of Santa María la Mayor in Villacantid, with audiovisuals and interactive displays on Romanesque art in Campoo.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Centro de Interpretación del Románico occupies the church of Santa María la Mayor in Villacantid, about 6 kilometres from Reinosa. The church was built at the end of the 12th century, during the reign of Alfonso VIII, and is the only church in Campoo de Suso that still has significant Romanesque remains. It stands on a small rise. After the extensions of the 17th century, the entrance was moved from the south façade to the apse and a tower was added. The pointed arches of the portal already show the proto-Gothic influence typical of the years around 1200, and the presbytery preserves 16th-century paintings of the Assumption of the Virgin.
The church stopped being used for worship, and since 2005 it has housed this centre. It is located in the Campoo and Valderredible area, the part of Cantabria with the highest concentration of Romanesque architecture. The Government of Cantabria runs it as part of its network of cultural centres.
The visit begins with a short introduction to the foundation, architecture and iconography of the building, both outside and inside. The audiovisuals then explain the phases of construction, the work of stone, building techniques, and the origin and development of Romanesque art in the region. Several interactive points present other Romanesque churches in the valleys of southern Cantabria, such as San Cipriano de Bolmir, Santa María de Retortillo, San Pedro de Cervatos and San Martín de Elines.
Highlights
- Romanesque church of Santa María la Mayor, late 12th century
- Audiovisuals on the phases of construction and stonework techniques
- Interactive points on other Romanesque churches in the valleys of southern Cantabria
- 16th-century paintings of the Assumption of the Virgin in the presbytery
- Introduction by a guide at the start of the visit
Permanent exhibition
- Centro de Interpretación del Románico – A tour of the church with audiovisuals and interactive displays on Romanesque construction, stonework and the Romanesque churches of the valleys of southern Cantabria.
- Founded
- 2005
- Operated by
- Gobierno de Cantabria (Consejería de Cultura, Turismo y Deporte)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2Children aged 4 to 12, large families, people aged 65 or over or pensioners, unemployed people, students with a student card, and people with a disability of 65% or more (with proof) |
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 3 · Reduced admission for ages 4 to 12; free for ages 0 to 3. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €2 per personGroups of 11 or more; school groups also pay €2. |
Free admission: Free admission for ICOMOS members, official guides of Cantabria and holders of the Cultural Passport (with proof).
Advance tickets are recommended and can be bought online (available until 15 minutes before the session). Once bought, they cannot be changed or refunded and must be validated at the ticket office. Tickets are also sold at the ticket office on the same day, subject to availability.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Only accredited guide dogs are allowed access.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Villacantid is about 6 km from Reinosa. The centre has parking for cars and coaches.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop on site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The visit is self-guided: at the start, the guide offers a short introduction in Spanish to the most significant features of the church. Guided visits for schools and groups are available with prior booking through the bookings department. |
