Located in La Rioja, Santo Domingo de la Calzada is much more than a stop on the Camino de Santiago. It's a town steeped in history, legends, and hidden gems that captivate visitors. For centuries, it has been a refuge for pilgrims and travelers.

If you're planning a trip to this incredible destination, here's what to see in Santo Domingo de la Calzada so you can make the most of your visit.

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

The Cathedral is Santo Domingo de la Calzada's most emblematic monument. Construction began in the 12th century, and over time, it has combined Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, making it a unique work.

It is organized as a pilgrimage church, with three naves, a transept, and an ambulatory. Highlights include its Romanesque apse, the Renaissance main altarpiece by Damián Forment, and the choir stalls, decorated with 16th-century Plateresque details. Also worth a visit are the Gothic cloister and the interior chapels, including the chapel containing the tomb of Saint Dominic.

One of the most curious corners is the henhouse inside the cathedral, where a rooster and a hen live, in memory of the famous miracle of the hanged pilgrim, one of the best-known miracles on the Camino de Santiago.

Miracle of the Rooster and the Hen

We can't talk about Santo Domingo de la Calzada without mentioning its most famous legend: the miracle of the rooster and the hen, declared a Site of Cultural Interest by the Government of La Rioja. This story, passed down among pilgrims for centuries, is one of the most famous tales of the Camino de Santiago.

The legend takes us back to the Middle Ages, when a German family was embarking on their pilgrimage to Santiago. Upon arriving in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, they stayed at an inn. The young woman who ran the inn fell in love with the young man, Hugonell, who was approaching adulthood. When her love didn't reciprocate, she decided to take revenge by hiding a silver cup among the young man's belongings and accusing him of theft.

After a quick inspection, the authorities found the cup, and Hugonell was sentenced to hanging, the usual punishment for theft at that time. His devastated parents prayed for their son and, the next day, went to see his body... but what they found was a miracle. Hugonell was still alive, and he explained that he had been saved by the intervention of Saint Dominic.

The parents immediately went to inform the town's mayor, who was about to eat a plate of roasted rooster and hen. Skeptical, he replied that the boy was as alive as the birds on his plate. At that moment, the rooster and hen regained their feathers and jumped off the plate, crowing, thus confirming what had happened.

Since then, this miracle has been represented in many forms in Santo Domingo de la Calzada. For this reason, a chicken coop with a live rooster and hen remains inside the cathedral, in memory of the miracle that, centuries later, continues to fascinate all who pass through.

The Exempt Tower: The tallest tower in La Rioja

One of the most recognizable symbols of Santo Domingo de la Calzada is its Torre Exenta, an impressive 18th-century Baroque construction that, at almost 70 meters tall, stands as the tallest tower in La Rioja. Its name comes from the fact that it is not attached to the cathedral, something unusual for this type of religious structure.

The reason? History tells us that, before this one, two previous towers were built next to the temple: the first was destroyed by lightning, and the second had to be dismantled due to foundation problems caused by underground currents. Therefore, in the 18th century, it was decided to build the current tower independently, a few meters from the temple, on more stable ground.

In addition to its imposing presence, the tower houses a curious little museum on its first two floors. It showcases the evolution of clocks, from sundials to more complex mechanisms, in an educational and surprisingly entertaining exhibition. And this isn't just any tower: it's the only cathedral tower in Spain whose original 18th-century clock is still working.

The climb consists of 132 easy steps, and along the way, you can see some of the internal machinery. At the top is the bell tower, with several bells of different sizes, each with its own sound and function. From there, the panoramic views of the city and the Riojan plain are simply spectacular: you can see the route of the Camino de Santiago, the fields surrounding the town, and the rooftops of the old town.

Visiting the tower is one of those experiences that combines history, curiosity, and beauty in a single stop. If you're wondering what to see in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, this tower should be at the top of your list.

Old Pilgrims' Hospital

Next to the cathedral, in the Plaza del Santo, is the old pilgrims' hospital, founded in the 12th century by Saint Dominic himself to welcome those who traveled the Camino de Santiago.

Today, it has been fully restored and operates as a National Parador, but it retains its original structure and medieval hospitality essence.

The wall of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Santo Domingo de la Calzada boasts the largest walled enclosure in all of La Rioja. Although construction began in the 13th century as a fence protecting the urban center, it wasn't until the 14th century, during the Castilian Civil War between Pedro I and Enrique II, that the wall we know today was erected: a true defensive fortification.

It once had a perimeter of over 1,600 meters, 38 towers up to 12 meters high, and seven entrance gates, although many of them were closed during times of war. Over the centuries and with the growth of the city, parts of the wall were lost or incorporated into homes. Even so, today it is possible to follow its layout and see restored sections, such as Sor María de Leiva Street, Calahorra Avenue, and Pilgrim Park, where you will also find ancient towers and remains of a moat.

Do you want to explore Santo Domingo de la Calzada in a unique way?

If you're looking to discover Santo Domingo de la Calzada in a unique, fun, and historic way, we have something for you.

With our experience, you'll explore the town's most iconic corners while learning about its legends, interesting facts, and key figures. And best of all, you'll do it by solving riddles and puzzles that will turn your visit into an adventure.

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