The Laberinto de las Tuerces is a Natural Monument located between Villaescusa de las Torres and Mave, in the province of Palencia, Castile and León. It is an excellent example of a karst formation, featuring an elevated, nearly horizontal limestone surface that has been eroded by water over time, revealing a landscape of narrow passageways, alleys, vaults, stone arches, and rock formations with whimsical shapes such as mushrooms, tables, and small towers. This open-air stone labyrinth spans more than 50 hectares and offers a unique panoramic view of the Páramo de La Lora, between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Duero River valley. From the visitor center, you can observe the fascinating geological history of the area, which dates back to the Late Cretaceous period, when this region was a flat plateau inhabited by dinosaurs. The trail allows visitors to lose themselves among the rocks sculpted by water and wind, in an environment of great natural and scenic value where geology, flora, and fauna blend together. The natural monument was designated by Decree 6/2019 of the Regional Government of Castile and León and covers a total area of 55 hectares, with its highest point at an elevation of 1,081 meters. This area is part of the Network of Natural Areas of Castile and León and the Las Loras Geological Reserve, which was incorporated into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network in 2017. On the moorland lies the Cueva de los Franceses, the only cave open to visitors in the province of Palencia, along with other treasures such as the Pozo de los Lobos and the Menhir de Canto-Hito. The best time to visit is during spring or summer, when conditions are most favorable for hiking and navigating the labyrinth.
