Cardeñuela Riopico
Cardeñuela Riopico is a municipality located in Provincia de Burgos, in the autonomous community of Castilla y Leon, Spain, on the Camino Frances. With a population of approximately 111 inhabitants according to 2024 INE data, this town is part of the Alfoz de Burgos district and sits at an elevation of 933 meters above sea level. Its area is 11.3 km² and it also includes the village of Villalval.
Hostels in Cardeñuela Riopico
Cardeñuela Riopico on the Camino Frances
Cardeñuela Riopico lies right on the Camino Frances, between the villages of Atapuerca and Orbaneja Riopico. The distance from Cardeñuela Riopico to the Cathedral of Santiago in the city of Santiago de Compostela is approximately 499.5 km. The village offers several hostels for pilgrims, including:
- Pilgrim hostel “La Parada”: 12 bunks, open year-round.
- Albergue Santa Fe: 15 bunks and 3 rooms, open from March 1 to January 31.
- Albergue Vía Minera: 50 bunks and 2 rooms, open from March 1 to October 31.
Hostels in Cardeñuela Riopico
Geography and Natural Surroundings of Cardeñuela Riopico
Located in the Pico River valley, Cardeñuela Riopico is just 15 kilometers from the city of Burgos. The Pico River runs through the center of the village, providing a natural setting typical of the region. The town is surrounded by a valley enclosed by two slopes that shelter it from the north and west winds, which contributes to a fairly humid climate, especially in winter.
History of Cardeñuela Riopico
The history of Cardeñuela Riopico goes back to the 9th century, following the founding of the city of Burgos in 884. The first documented mention of the town dates from November 24, 978, in the founding charter of the abbey-infantazgo of Covarrubias, when Count García Fernández granted his daughter Urraca, its first abbess-infanta, jurisdictions and properties, including Cardeñuela.
Later, in 1046, Cardeñuela was granted to the monastery of San Pedro de Cardeña, under whose jurisdiction it remained until the early 19th century. During this period, the town enjoyed significant autonomy in its local council.
Cultural Heritage
Church of Santa Eulalia de Mérida
The parish church of Santa Eulalia de Mérida, built in the 16th century, is the main monument of Cardeñuela Riopico. In late Gothic-Renaissance style, it has a nave covered with a ribbed vault and two side chapels. Its doorway features a notable stone-carved Pietà.
Inside the church stands an altarpiece dedicated to Santa Eulalia, the work of Felipe de Vigarny. This altarpiece was commissioned in 1523 by canon Gonzalo Díez de Lerma for his tomb in Burgos Cathedral and was acquired by the Cardeñuela parish in 1750. In 2017, local residents launched a fundraising campaign for its restoration.
Roman Fountain of Villalval
In the village of Villalval, part of the municipality of Cardeñuela Riopico, there is a semicircular vaulted medieval fountain, attributed to San Juan de Ortega for its resemblance to the one at the monastery that bears his name. This fountain sits right beside the Camino de Santiago, on the left as you leave Villalval heading toward Cardeñuela Riopico.
Services in Cardeñuela Riopico
Despite its small size, the village offers basic services:
- Bar-restaurant: La Parada offers food and drink options.
- Bakery: Fresh bread available at the bar.
- Medical care: Available one day a week.
Note: There is no ATM, pharmacy or grocery store in the village.
Festivals and Traditions of Cardeñuela Riopico
The feast day in honor of Santa Eulalia is celebrated on December 10. The town is also part of the Mancomunidad Encuentro de Caminos, which has set up a network of scenic viewpoints, including one in Cardeñuela Riopico, to highlight the area’s environmental and cultural resources.
Access and Transport in Cardeñuela Riopico
To reach Cardeñuela Riopico by car, take the BU-V-7011 road from Villafría, off the N-I toward Vitoria. There is also a bus service on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (weekdays) from the Burgos bus station. To use this service, you must call the day before on the toll-free number 900 204 020.
Cardeñuela Riopico
Cardeñuela Riopico is a village that combines rich historical and cultural heritage with its strategic location on the Camino de Santiago. Its parish church, its natural surroundings and its hospitality toward pilgrims make it a place of interest for both visitors and scholars of the region’s history and culture.
| Country | Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| Autonomous community | Castilla y Leon | |
| Province | Provincia de Burgos | |
| Comarca | Alfoz de Burgos | |
| Judicial district | Burgos | |
| Location | 42°21′35″N 3°33′28″W | |
| Elevation | 933 m | |
| Area | 11.30 km² | |
| Population | 111 inhabitants (2024) | |
| Density | 10.09 inhabitants/km² | |
| Postal code | 09192 | |
| Mayor (2019) | Nicasio Gómez Ruiz (Vox) | |
| Patron saint | Santa Eulalia de Mérida | |
| Website | www.cardeñuelariopico.es | |