Bareyo - Santa Maria

The "Iglesia de Santa Maria" was built in the second half of the 12th century. From the little hill, the shoreline can be seen. The "Camino del Norte" (aka "Camino de la Costa"), the oldest known "camino" to Santiago de Compostela run along the northern coast, as moorish troops roamed the inland.

Even in the 12th century, when this church was erected, this way was popular as the pilgrims could visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. As the largest part of the "True Cross" (aka "Lignum Crucis") was venerated in that monastery, it had the privilege of perpetual indulgences.

The "Iglesia de Santa Maria" is known for some extraordinary Romanesque carvings. A real "Master of Beasts" holding two bulls. The left beast is damaged, but the right bull, with a nose ring and giant horns, is in great condition.