|
Destinations
Rioja's avant-garde architecture certainly gives it unique flair, but it would be a tragedy to miss the landmarks of its rich Spanish history and old world roots.
The entire region of Rioja has had a culture of wine, food and hospitality since the Middle Ages when monasteries offered all three things to pilgrims traveling the Camino de Santiago.
Today, ancient monasteries, historic villages, rustic and innovative restaurants, a world-class wine museum and futuristic architecture are interspersed among the scenic vineyards and classic bodegas of vibrant Rioja. Here are some of the highlights:
Haro
The traditional wine capital of the region, Haro is home to most of the wineries founded in the 19th century after French winery owners, whose vineyards had been devastated by phylloxera, came to the region in search of quality wines. One of Haro's most notable events is the annual Batalla del Vino, a historic battle modernized, where tourists and townspeople alike engage in a "wine war" soaking their opponents with wine-filled water guns.
Calahorra
Founded by the Romans as Calagurris, this city in eastern Rioja is known as the center of a thriving fruit and vegetable producing region.
Laguardia
This walled village perched on a hilltop in Rioja Alavesa houses two churches, one of which, Santa María de Palacio, has one of the best preserved gothic doorways in Spain. Laguardia hosts a lively bar, hotel and restaurant scene.
The Convent of Santa María la Real, Nájera
This historic site was the burial place of many local and regional noblemen.
The Suso and Yuso Monastaries, San Millán de la Cogolla
The first written evidence of the Spanish language was found here.
Dinastía Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, Briones
This new museum features a comprehensive collection of ancient winemaking artifacts, wine-related art that range from ancient Greek pottery to masters such as Miró and Picasso, and the largest display of corkscrews -- 3,000 from the 18th century to the present -- anywhere in the world.
Ruins, Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Alavesa is famous for its prehistoric and pre-Roman ruins, including dolmens and the remains of a Celtic village at La Hoya.
Sierra de Cameros and Sierra de la Demanda
In these picturesque and unspoiled mountains hunting, fishing, hiking and mountain-biking are popular activities enjoyed by Spaniards and international visitors alike.
Valdezcaray
A ski resort near the 11th century town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
|
