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What to See in Logroño
Explore Logroño by immersing yourself in a rich mix of history, culture and gastronomic traditions. Here are some iconic places to see in Logroño, each with its own unique history and appeal.
Mercado de Abastos: Opened in 1930, Logroño’s Mercado de Abastos, also known as Mercado de San Blas, is a vital hub of local commerce.
With eclectic architecture and decorated with reliefs alluding to the fresh produce sold there, it is the perfect place to experience the local flavour and discover why it is a key sight to see in Logroño.
Calle del Laurel: Known as“the elephant’s path“, Calle del Laurel is famous for its lively tapas scene.
With more than 65 bars and restaurants, each one offers its own speciality. From mushrooms tocojonudo, this street is a sensory feast not to be missed when deciding what to see in Logroño.
Museo de La Rioja: Housed in the Palacio de Espartero, an 18th century Baroque building, the Museo de La Rioja houses collections ranging from prehistoric times to the 20th century.
It is especially famous for the Venus of Herramélluri, a Roman sculpture, the most important piece in the museum. It is undoubtedly a historic place to see in Logroño for lovers of history and art.
Muralla del Revellín: Part of the fortifications built between 1498 and 1540, the Muralla del Revellín is notable for the Cubo del Revellín and the Puerta del Camino.
This site offers a window into the city’s defensive past and is an obligatory stop to understand what to see in Logroño in terms of its military history
Calle Portales: This street is one of the busiest in Logroño, connecting the Concatedral with the town hall.
It is known for its arcades and the celebrations of the San Bernabé festivities. As a curiosity, the film“Calle Mayor” was filmed here. Directed by the famous director Juan Antonio Bardem, if you like cinema, this is an essential place to see in Logroño.
The Church of Santiago el Real is one of the most outstanding and historic sights to see in Logroño. Strategically located on the Camino de Santiago, this church not only attracts pilgrims from all over the world, but also captures the attention of history and art lovers. Famous for its impressive representation of Santiago Matamoros on the façade, this figure has given rise to popular expressions such as “you’ve got more balls than Santiago’s horse”, reflecting the epic and heroic character associated with the saint.
Rebuilt in the 16th century on the foundations of older structures, the Church of Santiago el Real is a magnificent example of religious architecture with a rich interior decoration that includes valuable works of art and ornaments. Every element of the church’s interior, from the altarpieces to the stained glass windows, tells part of the city’s religious and cultural history.
A visit to the Church of Santiago el Real is a must for anyone wishing to understand the importance of Logroño as a meeting point for faith, history and culture. It is a place that offers not only a spiritual refuge, but also a deep connection with the past, making it an outstanding place to see in Logroño. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the devout atmosphere that has been central to the community over the centuries, making this church a living testimony to tradition and faith.
Bodegas Franco-Españolas: Established in 1890, this winery is an emblem of the winemaking collaboration between France and Spain.
Known for its wines as Rioja Bordón, it offers tours that allow visitors to explore its historic facilities and taste its wines, an essential experience to see in Logroño for wine aficionados.
The Stone Bridge, also known as the Bridge of San Juan de Ortega, is one of Logroño’s most emblematic and photogenic structures. Since its initial construction in the 11th century, this bridge has played a crucial role in the history of the city, facilitating the crossing of the river Ebro and connecting various parts of the region. Over the centuries, the bridge has been rebuilt several times due to flood and war damage, but it has always maintained its strategic importance and architectural beauty.
Today, the Puente de Piedra is not only a testament to medieval engineering, but also a favourite spot for visitors seeking to capture the essence of Logroño. The views from the bridge are truly picturesque, offering breathtaking panoramas of the river Ebro and the city. Every angle offers a new perspective, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.
If you’re wondering what to see in Logroño, the Puente de Piedra should be on your list. Not only for its historical importance, but also for the opportunity to enjoy moments of tranquillity while admiring the flow of the river and the surrounding urban landscape. Visiting this bridge allows you to appreciate not only the history of Logroño, but also its evolution into a modern city without losing the charm of its past.
Calle Ruavieja: Part of the old pilgrimage route, Calle Ruavieja is full of history and medieval charm.
It houses a pilgrims’ hostel and several historic buildings, offering an immersion into the city’s medieval past that is crucial when deciding what to see in Logroño.
But, hey, did you know that the Camino de Santiago is aroute that dates back to the 9th century and attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year? And this very street is one of its stages.
Church of San Bartolomé: The oldest church in Logroño, San Bartolomé, mixes Romanesque and Gothic elements.
Its 14th century Gothic façade is particularly remarkable, with sculptures narrating the life of Saint Bartholomew, making it another essential sight to see in Logroño.
Co-cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda: Originally a 12th-century Romanesque church, the Co-cathedral is now an imposing Baroque building.
Its twin towers and 17th-century altarpiece are just some of the highlights that make this Co-cathedral a must-see in Logroño.
Each of these sites offers a unique window into the history and culture of Logroño, and together they form a perfect itinerary for any visitor seeking to understand the essence of the city.
Top Wines: The Best Grape
As we have already said Logroño is the city of wine, so here is a Top 7 of the best Rioja wines that will not only delight your palate, but are also a reflection of the quality and diversity that the region has to offer.
Each of these wines is an excellent choice to enjoy while exploring what to see in and around Logroño:
- Artadi Viña El Pisón: A wine from La Rioja that has achieved perfection with 100 Parker points in 2004. Although it is outside the Denominación de Origen Calificada, it is a wine that embodies the excellence of La Rioja Alavesa.
- Quiñón de Valmira: Made by Álvaro Palacios at Palacios Remondo, this wine is the result of meticulous work with red Garnacha, obtaining 99 points in the Wine Advocate guide for its 2020 vintage, standing out as a jewel to see in Logroño.
- Pujanza Norte: It represents the best of the new generation of Rioja wines, with a single varietal Tempranillo that achieved 96 Parker points in its 2018 vintage, highlighting its excellent value for money.
- Viña Monty Viura Reserva: This white wine from Bodegas Montecillo has been recognised with 96 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
- Monopole Clásico Gran Reserva: A white wine that pays tribute to the traditional Monopole, adding a touch of Manzanilla to enrich its flavour. With 95 Parker points and 94 from Tim Atkins, it is a reinvented classic that should be on your list of what to see in Logroño.
- Izadi Crianza: This Tempranillo is a safe choice for its consistency and excellent value for money. It is frequently among the best-selling Riojas, offering an elegant and accessible profile.
- Contino Rosado: Aged for 9 months in barrel, this rosé of Garnacha Tinta, Graciano and Mazuelo is a sublime example of Rioja rosés. With consistently high scores, it is a refined choice to enjoy in the region.
3 Traditions To See In Logroño That You Didn’t Know About
Logroño offers a number of traditions that not only delight locals, but also attract visitors from far and wide. Here are three traditions that you should definitely consider in your itinerary of what to see in Logroño:
- Fiestas de San Bernabé: This celebration takes place every year in June and commemorates the successful defence of the city against the French forces in 1521. During the festival, the citizens of Logroño re-enact historical events, including the miracle of the fish, which tells how fish from the Ebro River helped feed the city during the siege. The streets are filled with music, period costumes and tastings of local products, such as “bread, wine and fish”, which are distributed free of charge. This festival is a vibrant testament to community spirit and is an essential cultural event to see in Logroño.
- Haro Wine Battle: Although technically held in Haro, a short distance from Logroño, this tradition attracts many visitors from the capital of La Rioja. On 29 June, St. Peter’s Day, people congregate on the mountain of Bilibio where a friendly “battle” is fought where wine is the weapon. The participants, dressed in white with red handkerchiefs, spray each other with thousands of litres of wine, but the bad kind eh? This is one of the most unique and exciting traditions to see in Logroño and the surrounding area, offering an unforgettable and very exciting experience!
- Procession of the Holy Burial: During Holy Week, Logroño experiences one of its most solemn and emotional religious traditions. The Procession of the Holy Burial is the highlight of the week, where numerous brotherhoods parade through the old streets of the city carrying floats representing different scenes from the Passion of Christ. It is a profound manifestation of the city’s religious devotion and artistic heritage, and is an essential part of what to see in Logroño for those interested in Spanish religious history and culture.
These traditions not only offer an insight into Logroño’s rich cultural history, but also provide visitors with an authentically local experience. When planning what to see in Logroño, be sure to consider these celebrations to fully experience the spirit of this charming Spanish city.
Gastronomy: What to Eat in Logroño
Logroño’s gastronomy is a vibrant reflection of La Rioja’s rich culinary culture, offering a delicious combination of tradition and modernity. Discover the most typical dishes to see in Logroño:
- Chuletillas al Sarmiento: This typical Riojan dish is prepared by roasting suckling lamb chops over vine shoots, giving them a unique smoky flavour. This cooking method highlights the region’s connection to its vineyards, offering a flavour that is both historic and deliciously local. The chuletillas al sarmiento are an authentic culinary experience to see in Logroño, perfect for lovers of meat and history.
- Patatas a la Riojana: This is one of La Rioja’s most emblematic stews and a classic thing to see in Logroño. Potatoes a la Riojana are prepared with chorizo sausage, chorizo peppers, garlic, and paprika, creating a comforting dish full of flavour. It is a homemade speciality that is perfect for the coldest days in the Rioja town.
- Bacalao a la Riojana: Although La Rioja is best known for its meat dishes, Bacalao a la Riojana is a delicious and popular exception. This dish combines cod with red peppers, tomatoes, garlic and sometimes chilli peppers, cooked until the fish is tender and the sauce thick and rich.
History of Logroño: From its Origins to Today
Logroño, the vibrant capital of La Rioja, has witnessed a rich historical evolution from its humble beginnings to become the dynamic city it is today. Founded in Roman times as the village of Varea, Logroño was already emerging as a key point of trade and communication.
Roman origins and the Middle Ages
During Roman times, Logroño was a small town of great strategic importance. In the 11th century, the city began to take shape with the construction of walls and fortifications to protect it from Muslim incursions. Its location on the Camino de Santiago made it a vital crossroads for pilgrims and traders, fostering its economic and cultural development.
Medieval Influence
Logroño’s rise continued during the Middle Ages, with the construction of the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda and the extension of the city walls. This period also saw Logroño flourish as an important centre on the Pilgrim’s Way, increasing its importance in the religious and cultural spheres.
Renaissance and Modernisation
In the Renaissance, Logroño experienced significant architectural and cultural growth. Numerous buildings were erected that reflect the style of the period, contributing to the visual identity of the city. The influence of these eras is kept alive in many of the historic buildings you can admire today.
Industrialisation and Urban Expansion
The 19th century brought industrialisation, transforming Logroño into a modern urban centre. The expansion of the city during the 20th century reflected its adaptation to contemporary times, without losing its historical roots.
Logroño Today: What to See in Logroño?
Today, Logroño is a city that combines its rich historical heritage with a vibrant cultural life. If you’re wondering what to see in Logroño, here are some of the must-sees:
- Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda: This magnificent building is a symbol of the city and an outstanding example of its rich history.
- Old Quarter: Strolling through its narrow streets will allow you to immerse yourself in Logroño’s medieval history.
- Calle Laurel: Famous for its gastronomic offer, especially its tapas, it is an ideal place to experience local life.
- Museum of La Rioja: Offers an in-depth insight into the history and culture of the region.
Every corner of Logroño tells a part of its history, and each visit reveals a new layer of its fascinating past and present. So, if you are wondering what to see in Logroño, these places will provide you with a complete and enriching experience of this charming city.
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