In the heart of the Nansa Valley, surrounded by green mountains, leafy forests and cultivation terraces that remind alpine landscapes, rises Tudancaone of the most picturesque and unique peoples of Cantabria. Declared National Historic-Artistic Set in 1983this municipality keeps the essence of the mountain tradition and a cultural history that makes it much more than a rural destination.
A legacy that sinks its roots in the Middle Ages
Tudanca’s first historical mention dates from the year 1094. For centuries, it was part of the Lordship of the Vegasubsequently linked to ManriqueCondes de Castañeda and Marquises of Aguilar. Its history has been printed in its stone houses, in its cobbled alleyways and in the way of life of its neighbors, which proudly retain the inherited customs.
La Casonca’s house: Cultural and Literary Center
The main symbol of the people is the Tudanca housea stately construction erected in the time of Felipe V and that was, for a good part of the twentieth century, a Intellectual Effervescence Center. Its last owner, the writer and academic José María de Cossíoit made it a meeting point for great figures of Spanish culture as Unamuno, Alberti or Gerardo Diego. Today is a museum that retains more than 25,000 volumes, including manuscripts of authors such as Federico García Lorca Camilo José Cela.
The Tudanca cow and the “Prau council”: living traditions
Tudanca is also the name of an native bovine race of Cantabria, Rustic and excellent meat qualitytraditionally raised in freedom in the communal pastures of the municipality. Every year, the day of San Agustínthe ancestral is celebrated “Prau Council”whereby the neighbors raffle the lots of Prado in which their cattle will graze. This millenary practice strengthens the feeling of community and is an essential part of local identity.
A landscape that marvels the visitor
The natural environment that surrounds Tudanca is an overwhelming beauty. From the road, the terrified crops They are drawn as brushstrokes over the valley, in harmony with the oaks and birch that populate the mountains. The Nansa River, with its clean waters and serene shores, provides freshness and life, and makes the municipality a perfect place for hiking, fishing or simply to enjoy the silence of nature.
Much more than a beautiful town
Visiting Tudanca is immersing yourself in the Most authentic Cantabriawhere each house tells a story, where tradition is taken care of and transmitted, and where culture and nature live in harmony. Here, in this hidden corner of the region, Life passes without hurrywith the murmur of the river and the rumor of the wind between the trees as the only soundtrack.
Tudanca is not just a beautiful town. It is an emblem of history, literature, livestock and rural life of Cantabria. A place that is reached out of curiosity and who returns for love.
