Portal de Turismo de Castilla y León

Welcome to the "San Salvador Garden" Visitors’ Centre in Obarenes Mountains-San Zadornil Nature Park, located in Oña, in Burgos.

Just like the rest of the park visitors’ centres, all throughout the region of Castilla and León, this is the recommended access point for these nature areas. Here, you can find information about the signature species and habitats there, to help in identifying and appreciating the cultural and natural heritage. It promotes the conservation and appreciation of biodiversity and cultural heritage.

San Salvador Garden" Visitors’ Centre was built by the Jesuits at the end of the 19th century. It was the San Salvador monastery's cowshed, which is found in the gardens, an area closed off my a 4km wall. Originally, the monks used it for milking, raising animals for meat and storing provisions. The cattle were kept on the ground floor. The first floor was the hay loft, where cows were fed through trap doors. The second floor was used by the monks for general storage.

The current intervention on the building respects the original architecture and uses the same materials that were used at the time of its construction. Likewise, they have kept the interior walls and size of the spaces.

The building has a number of floors. On the ground floor you can discover different, dynamic aspects of nature through resources such as recreations and interactive screens. Here you will find the visitor reception, the Nature Park’s information centre, and the permanent exhibition with interactive digital games.

On the first floor, you can immerse yourself in the territory through audiovisual montages and sets, offering a sensory and emotional experience of times gone by. On this floor, you will find the projection and conference room, a glass viewpoint overlooking Oca pass, and an exhibition area divided in three sections: one sensory, with music and smells, one with a virtual tour of the park, and one focussing on the past, looking at previous uses of the territory.

Finally, there is a library on the second floor, a room for environmental workshops and offices, which the visitors do not have access to.

To the left of the main entrance, there is a monolith with a map of the area, and information about the Obarenes Mountains-San Zadornil Nature Park, as well as reviews on the information centres and museums, such as the Visitors’ Centres in Oña and San Zadornil, the San Salvador Abbey, the Medieval Information Centre and the Resin Museum, all of which are in Oña. As well as those, the Horadada Information Centre in Trespaderne, the collective workshop and cultural centre "El Hacedor" in Aldea del Portillo de Busto, the Ethnographic Museum in Montejo de San Miguel, and the Visitors’ Centre in Pancorbo.

On entering the centre, you come into a long room which makes up the centre. To the right, you can see the green shop, where you can buy local products and souvenirs. Then, the reception desk and visitors book.

To the left, behind a wooden sculpture, there is a map where you can see the network of nature areas in Castilla and León. In the north of Burgos, in the "Las Merindades" region, is the Obarenes Mountains-San Zadornil Nature Park. On this wall, there is also a topography miniature which has interactive buttons for Oña, Frías, Pancorbo, San Zadornil, Trespaderne, Pico Humión, Mesa de Oña, the Ebro river, the Oca river and the Molinar river.

If you continue ahead, you will see a staircase which leads to the next two floors, and to the right, a lift. If you need them, the toilets are to the left.

The tour starts at the topography model in the lobby. This detailed representation includes the entire Obarenes Mountains and San Zadornil Nature Park which is in Burgos, at the eastern limit of the Cantabrian Mountains.

The topography of the Obarenes Mountains comes to life as you press the buttons which correspond to the five main towns within the park. A light turns on to show its location on the model. On the other end of the panel, you can see San Zadornil.

With a length of approximately 30km, they go from the gorges of the Ebro river in the Horadada canyon (between Oña and Trespaderne), to the Sobrón pass in the Tobalina valley and the Oroncillo river gorge in Pancorbo.

The Obarenes Mountains have an average altitude of 800-900 metres, reaching 1432 metres at Pico Humión and 1353 metres at the Cantoña Mountain. From the control panel, you can select those peaks, as well as the main rivers which make up the morphology of the Obarenes Mountains, which are characterised by cliffs, gorges and canyons.

It is important to remember the unique bioclimate of the region. It is a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences which has moulded the flora and fauna of the area, particularly the presence of birds of prey.

In the lobby, there is a sculpture of a large tree, painted shiny black.

The tree is on a platform which extends to the back of the room and represents its shadow. The shadow has different inclination levels on its path, reaching a height of 2 metres at the end.

This tree doesn’t just capture the majestic visual essence of a tree, it is also deeply symbolic. The sculpture personifies strength, connection to nature and renovation. It was portrays a message about the interconnection between all life, and the importance of preserving our environment and the forests on our planet.

The Obarenes Mountains-San Zadornil Nature Park, halfway between the Atlantic and Mediterranean climates, is blessed with such rich trees. It has huge forests with holm oak, gall oak, maritime pine and European red pine, with isolated patches of beech at the peaks of the mountains and abundant thickets of Phoenicean juniper and boxwood.

Above the tree, there are models of birds of prey hanging from the ceiling, in the act of flying they show the majesty and freedom that lives in the park. They also serve as a connecting with the nature of Burgos, where the climate favours the presence and co-existence of the Eurasian griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, golden eagle, Eurasian goshawk, Eurasian sparrowhawk, peregrine falcon, European honey buzzard and the Eurasian eagle-owl, among others.

These birds of prey are a fascinating group of birds which are distinguished by their impressive hunting and flying skills. They are carnivorous with sharp talons and strong beaks which they used to tear the meat from their prey. Their sharp vision allows them to spot prey from huge heights, while their dexterity in flight allows them to perform precise manoeuvres while hunting.

Birds of prey play a crucial role in the ecological balance by regulating the population sizes of other species. As well as their biological importance, these majestic birds have fascinated humanity throughout history, symbolising freedom and ferocity in different cultures.

In the tree’s shadow, you can see a map of Europe with four buttons. When you press them, they show how different species of trees advance or retreat, depending on climatic cycles. These trees are: the European red pine, holm oak, gall oak and beech trees.

The diversity of the trees enrich the forests, and among the notable species are the European red pine, holm oak, gall oak and beech. The European red pine stands out due to its elegant appearance and its long needles which lend a vibrant green to the landscape. The holm oak exhibits impressive resistance, with perennial leaves which provide shade in Mediterranean climates. The gall oak is distinguished by it’s serrated leaves and coarse bark, thriving on rocky ground. Meanwhile, the beech trees bring a majestic note with their smooth leaves and silver bark, creating fresh and lush forests. Each in their own way, these species contribute to the richness and health of these woodland ecosystems.

If you continue ahead, you will see a piece of a branch which sticks out at you. The four types of tree are shown here, from the holm oak, typical in Mediterranean climates, to beech trees, from Atlantic climates. Along with the European red pine and gall oak, they represent the Obranes Mountains-San Zadornil and show how each one adapts to the specific climate of their environment.

The holm oak is a medium to small sized tree which can reach heights of 16 to 25 metres. Its leaves are resistant and perennial, and to conserve water, they flip over, making use of the lightest part of the underside to reflect light on extremely hot days.

The European red pine can reach heights of up to 30 metres. Its leaves are simple, acicular, rigid and sharp. They help to optimise water retention. They are short, measuring only 3 to 7cm, which allows them to avoid the weight of winter snow. Their interior has an anti-freeze morphology that keeps them alive during the winter.

The gall oak is a medium sized tree which reaches heights of up to 20 metres. In some areas of Burgos, they call it the "oak-holm" due to it’s similarity to the holm oak tree, but the difference is that its foliage is more feeble and less dense, with softer leaves.

Lastly, the beech trees adapt to humid environments. They grow in Atlantic areas, searching for light on the northern side of the mountains, creating dense shadows, under which very few plant species can survive.

Given the transition condition in the Obarenes Mountains, the combination of Mediterranean and Atlantic vegetation enrich the biodiversity, hosting both flora and fauna from both regions.

If you follow the tree’s shadow, you will come to a projection of the nature park’s topography, which lights up when you get close.

The model highlight the strategic biogeographic location of the park, which is between Atlantic and Mediterranean climates. That is how it ended up with its peculiar orography with karst geology and its formation due to folding. The lights for the main towns offers information on the influence of climate and topography, especially in the , where this transition climate is found.

The projection shows the formation of the topography, from when it was completely covered by the sea, to the tectonic movement which created the anticlinal and synclinical folds, i.e. the summits and valleys. The erosion of the water, over millions of years, is fundamental for the final configuration of the landscape. It created gorges, canyons and caves, like the gorges carved out by the Ebro in Sobrón, the narrow gorge created by the Oca river near Oña, and the ravine opened up by the Purón river in the Arcena mountains.

The mix of the climate and topography and permits the existence of biodiversity that is prepared for climate change and setbacks.

If you continue, you will come to two computers where you have the chance to combine different woodland species from the different climates around Europe. Whatever combination you choose, as out-there as it may seem, it is possible in this park. It even recommends where to go to find the combination you have selected.

On one side of the tree’s shadow, you will find a transparent black wall which shows the flora and fauna of the humid Atlantic forest.

It is an ecosystem characterised by its abundant rainfall throughout the year, and its moderate temperatures. In this environment, the predominant vegetation is made of beech trees, oak trees and birch trees, along with a dense layer of moss and ferns, which creates a humid environment.

After the display, you can see a representation of the moss, mushrooms and animals associated with this humidity on the ground. For example, salamanders, grass frogs, badgers and birds of prey. In this case, a nocturnal bird of prey has been recreated. The tawny owl is a nocturnal bird with large round eyes, soft feathers adapted for silent flight and a facial disc to direct sound. It has a strong, hooked beak to tear the meat from its prey.

The badger is known for its digging skills, carving out complex lairs where they rest during the day. Their coat is black and white on their head and their bodies are robust and short. They are nocturnal in nature, coming out at dusk in search of food. Their diet is varied and includes insects, small mammals, fruits and roots. Despite their peaceful appearance, badgers are territorial animals who ferociously defend their lairs.

If you leave the humid forest behind, you will see the dry Mediterranean forest,

The Mediterranean forest is an ecosystem marked by dry hot summers and mild humid winters. In this environment, trees and vegetation that can adapt to drought and arid land are predominant. The ground can be rocky and dry, reflecting the lack of water. The Mediterranean forest’s fauna stand out due to their resilient biodiversity when faced with climatic challenges specific to the Mediterranean region.

Represented in the display is the holm oak, a chorleywood and mushrooms typical in oak forests. You can also see a genet, an example of a nocturnal animal that lives in the area, a bird of prey eating a pigeon and a wild boar.

It is worth highlighting man’s exploitation of the forest for the extraction of resin, which, for years, was one of the main jobs in the area.

Resin worker is a traditional job in forest regions where pine trees grow. These experts extracted resin from trees, mainly from maritime pines. The process involves making cuts in the pine tree’s bark to allow the resin to flow out. The resin collected is used in different industries, such as in the production of varnishes, adhesives and perfumes. Working as a resin worker requires skill and knowledge to make the cuts in a precise and sustainable way, avoiding excessive damage to the trees.

On the wall adjacent to the Mediterranean forest, you will find the transition forest which is typical in the area.

In this environment, there are a number of species coming from both biogeographical systems. The co-existence of different woodland species drives a significant increase in botanical biodiversity. This leads to more resilient and prepared areas that can take on the challenges of climate change.

In the display you can see the woodpecker, the lesser spotted woodpecker and the trunk of an oak tree. With regards to the vegetation, we have to highlight the junipers and different types of mushrooms. Roe deer and viperines are representative of the fauna in this area. Curiously, the three different types of viperines that live on the Iberian peninsula can all be found in the Obarenes Mountains. Lataste's viper, Seoane's viper and the asp viper. All three have triangular heads and cylindrical bodies, with rhombus-shaped scales. They are known for their long, retractable fangs which they use to inject venom into their prey, or for self-defence.

On the windowsill, you can see a tree trunk with a woodpecker’s nest inside. The outside of the trunk has a round hole which serves as the entrance to the nest, and at the back, you can see the depth of the nest, up to 20 centimetres. You can also see small holes in the trunk which the woodpecker makes to feed on termites and larva.

On the shadow’s wall, there is a touch screen with a game. On it, you can choose one of the 6 ecosystems in the park: rocky cliffs, beech forests, oak groves, grasslands, transition forests and riverbanks. Each option is a different game, including: identifying sounds, puzzles, food etc.

If you follow the path, you will come to a screen which shows a V-shaped cover of the gorge.

Geology is one of the areas of most interest, especially in the Karst region of the Cantabrian Mountains, where canyons and gorges are distinctive characteristics.

The cover is shaped like the Oca river gorge. If you press the button near the screen, the cover spins to fill with sand. With the effect of the falling sand, as if it were an hourglass, the space between the two sides of the cover empty, simulating the erosion and formation of the gorge.

If you turn around, you can see if through the window opposite.

On the shadow’s next wall, you will find a map with the contour of the Nature Park, and some holes with information.

If you look into the holes, you will see images of the Sobrón gorge, Purón gorge, Pancorbo gorge, Molinar gorge, Horadada gorge and the Oca river gorge.

In the shadow’s next panel, you will find some boxes with information on the hidden little big treasures in the park, like the thousand year old yews, sessile oak groves, the maritime pines, the San Zadornil chestnut grove and the relict cork oak forests in Bozoo.

Each box on the map corresponds to and shows the characteristics of the tree it refers to, with its fruit, trunk, leaves and images.

If you follow a branch against the left wall, you will find a screen which shows recreations of the past and current houses in the towns.

In the past, the forests were used differently than they are today. The neighbours used the wood to built houses, make charcoal and to stock up on firewood for the whole year.

Their ways of working in the countryside and with cattle weren’t the same either, everything has evolved.

On the screen you can see houses that were abandoned and the invasion of vegetation in the old towns.

The last screen shows the countryside today, with tractors, renovated houses, cars in driveways, and people sitting at picnic benches.

In the window opposite, you will find some trays with minerals and Paleozoic fossils that have been found in the park.

On the next windowsill, there are four types of pine cones. These come from the four types of pine trees in the park. They are ordered from biggest to smallest: maritime pines, European red pine, stone pines, with furrows of pine nuts, and lastly, Austrian pines.

They each have a surprisingly complex structure which holds their seeds. They are made up of numerous wooden scales spiralled around a central axis. Each scale protects a seed or two, and once the pine cone matures, it opens to let them out. These structures are not only essential for pine trees’ reproduction, they also play an important role for the forest’s ecology, providing food for different woodland species.

In front of the window, there is a model of the map of the network of nature areas in Castilla and León, known as the R.E.N. With the numbers in the key, you can locate each point of interest.

In 1991, the network was created with the goal of preserving the vast natural heritage in the area. The network represents a significant example of the ecosystems present in Castilla and León in their optimum state of conservation, exemplifying sustainable development. Made up of 33 protected natural areas which cover 820,000 hectares, the network includes 2 national parks, 2 regional parks, 14 nature parks, 5 nature reserves, 8 nature monuments and 2 protected landscapes. This conservation strategy, which includes all of the territory, links the network to Natura 2000, the European Union’s network of protected areas. It insures the connection and relationship between nature areas, avoiding their isolation.

If you take the stairs or lift to the first floor, you will come to a gallery overlooking the lobby.

To the right, there are four photos. The first one shows a birds eye view of the convent when it was a cowshed. If you look closely, the exterior of the building has been kept intact, as seen in the other photo.

To the left, if you go through the sliding door, you will be in the audiovisual room.

A combination of images and sounds are projected here, with the seasons of the Nature Park starring. Starting with the frozen winter season, the spring bringing thawing and the rebirth of life, summer with harvests and pleasant walks, and finally autumn with it’s generous fruit harvest and the transformation of the forest’s colours.

When you leave the audiovisual room, you will find the door to the viewpoint to one side. It looks out to the north, towards the Oca river gorge.

In front of it, you can see the mountain, covered in the area’s typical vegetation. The green of the trees contrasts against the grey of the rocky mountains free of plants.

At the viewpoint, there is a shelf with picture of animals, and a box on each one. If you put your hand in these, you will touch different elements of the river ecosystem: a heron’s head and beak, an otter’s footprint, an ash trunk and a common alder trunk. You can also see an arrowhead and limestone.

Back at the stairs, you will see a wooden sculpture cutting off access to the next floor, where the offices are situated.

Above it, there are models of birds of prey hanging from the ceiling.

The red kite stands out. It is a diurnal bird, known for its reddish plumage, forked tail and the black border on its wings. This bird is mostly a scavenger, although it also hunts small prey. Their presence is synonymous with the health of the local ecosystem.

The Eurasian griffon vulture also stands out. It is an imposing bird of prey that stands out due to its large wingspan. Its head and neck are covered in a white plumage and it’s body is brown. Mostly a scavenger, the Eurasian griffon vulture plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, cleaning up animal corpses and contributing to the natural decomposition cycle. These birds congregate together and are known for their circular flying pattern as they search for food.

This is the last audio track for your visit to the "San Salvador Garden" Visitors’ Centre. This centre is a window to the Obarenes Mountains-San Zadornil Nature Park. Here, you can explore the geology, fauna, flora and history of the area through models, interactive games and looking from the viewpoint. The importance of conservation and appreciation of the Nature Park’s ecosystems is made clear.

Remember that, while visiting the park, it is essential to respect and protect this multi-climate habitat, with all types of plant species and native animals.

You can now go back down to the lobby and continue exploring the "San Salvador Garden" Visitors’ Centre.

Thanks for your visit.