At first, this church was given the name of Santa María de las Victorias, because it´s related to a legend that says that, during the time of Muslim domination, King Mauregato had agreed with the Moors to deliver 100 maidens in exchange for the King Abderramán’s help to reach the throne as King of Asturias. Carrión had to fulfill part of the agreement, delivering 4 maidens. But when the Muslims came to look for the girls, they asked for a last pray to the Virgin and when the Virgin heard their prayers, she made a miracle and 4 brave bulls appeared. The animals drove away those who wanted to take the girls. To remember the Victory over the Muslims, the church was given this first name: Saint Mary of the Victories, but later, because it was on the Jacobean Route, it was renamed Santa María del Camino.
The façade orientated towards the main street, was begun around 1130 and in it, we can see a character riding a horseback on each side, although they are very damaged because of the later addition. Above the entrance images of King Herod, the Magi and the Virgin with the Child and others that are difficult to identify, perhaps part of a zodiac.
On each side of the door there are two bull heads, some say that they are a reference to the legend related previously.
Its interior features a main chapel which was rebuilt in the 17th century, under the patronage of Bishop Molino Navarrete, whose tomb is located in one of the side walls, near the main altarpiece.
In one of the chapels, the outstanding Gothic image of Cristo del Amparo dates back to the 14th century. It presents a very peculiar cross, in a “goose foot” shape that is similar to others in the Rhineland area, in Germany where this image may come from. Today this church of Sta. María del Camino is a monument declared a Site of Cultural Interest.
Birthplace of the 1st Marquis of Santillana. The Mendoza family coat of arms can be seen on the façade of this house, where Don Iñigo López de Mendoza (1st Marquis of Santillana) was born in 1398. His military activity led him to fight alongside Juan II of Castile, who was the father of Isabel la Católica. But he was also a poet, and in terms of his literary production, his most outstanding work is the Serranillas. Some of them are well known for having been part of children’s readings in schools time ago.
