Hontanas

Hontanas is a municipality in the province of Burgos, Castilla y León, situated in a deep valley fold on the Meseta plain on the Camino Frances between Hornillos del Camino and Castrojeriz. Like Hornillos, the village is hidden below the plain until the route reaches the lip of the valley, at which point it appears suddenly below.

The name derives from fuentes, meaning springs or fountains, reflecting the water sources in the valley that made this hidden location habitable on the otherwise dry Meseta. The Gothic church of the Immaculate Conception has a notable tower visible from the valley floor.

For pilgrims, Hontanas is a welcome relief on the long Meseta stage, its concealed position making the arrival dramatic and the valley shelter welcome after the exposed plain above.