What to do in Santo Domingo de la Calzada?
The new way to discover Santo Domingo de la Calzada live, a game to find the most interesting corners, solve puzzles and learn interesting facts about its history without even realizing it. At your leisure, without schedules or reservations. From the moment you start, you will have 12 hours to finish (it won't take you more than 2), being able to stop to rest, have a drink...
Discover Santo Domingo de la Calzada in a special way
It is clear that if you visit Santo Domingo de la Calzada you will not miss the Plaza de España or the Torre Exenta… But did you know that inside the cathedral there is a live rooster and hen, which you can visit, in honour of a miracle that happened there? You know, these little details that few people know about and that open your eyes like a drum.
Experience in Santo Domingo de la Calzada
The Time Pirates are stirring up the past and only you, Guardians of Time, can keep history on track.
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Santo Domingo de la Calzada What to see
The best way to explore Santo Domingo de la Calzada is with our experience, where you will discover its most important places while learning about its history and curiosities in a fun way.
Here is a list of essential places that you cannot miss.
Santo Domingo Cathedral
This is the most outstanding monument. It houses the saint's remains in its crypt and surprises with details such as its Main Altarpiece and a chicken coop inside.
Freestanding tower
The free-standing tower, dating from the 18th century, is the tallest in La Rioja at 69 metres. It offers panoramic views and houses a small museum of bells and clocks.
Convent of San Francisco
Founded in 1535, it is now a Parador. Inside you will find the tomb of its founder, Bernardo de Fresneda, and a monument to the pilgrim at the entrance.
Cistercian Abbey
It has a simple church and a beautiful baroque altarpiece. Although it was on the verge of disappearing, it is still standing today thanks to the hostel.
Santo Domingo Wall
Built by Peter I of Castile, it is the largest preserved medieval fortress in La Rioja. With 38 towers and 7 gates, this wall measures more than 1,600 metres.
City hall
Located in Plaza de España, it was built on the 14th century wall. It stands out for being the only access gate to the city that has survived.
Hermitage of Santo Domingo
The 16th century Hermitage of the Virgin of the Plaza houses the Gothic sculpture of the patron saint of Santo Domingo. It is believed that the first hermitage of the town was founded here.
House of Trastamara
It is the oldest civil building in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where King Enrique II of Castile lived and died. Today it houses the Municipal House of Culture.
Brotherhood of the Saint
Built in 1556, it has been a pilgrims' hostel since 1968. Its museum houses white roosters and hens, a symbol of the miracle of the hanged pilgrim.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Savior is the main monument of Santo Domingo de la Calzada and one of the most important places in the municipality. It was built shortly after the death of Santo Domingo to house his remains. The church stands out for its portico and the unique tower separated from the main building. Inside, you can admire the Main Altarpiece, a Renaissance piece of great artistic value, and the famous chicken coop where a rooster and a hen live, in reference to a miracle of Santo Domingo that saved a pilgrim unjustly condemned to death.
The remains of Saint Dominic are housed in the crypt, in a tomb that mixes Romanesque, Gothic and late Gothic styles. The crypt was also decorated with modern mosaics, made by artist Marko Rupnik, depicting scenes from the saint's life. Visitors can also see the artist's work on the cathedral's Door of Forgiveness.
Saint Dominic of the Causeway Monastery
The Cistercian Monastery of Santo Domingo de la Calzada was founded in 1621 by Bishop Pedro Manso de Zúñiga. It is a classicist style building, with a church with a Latin cross plan. Inside, there is an alabaster tomb with three statues representing the founder and his nephews, sculpted in the 17th century.
The main altarpiece from the 18th century has the image of Our Lady of the Annunciation. The lower choir, used as a cemetery until 1960, holds the remains of more than 200 nuns. Next to the church is the 17th century cloister, simple and in keeping with Cistercian spirituality.
In the mid-20th century, the monastery was on the verge of disappearing, but the mother abbess managed to save it. In 1964, the Hostal Santa Teresita was opened, which became the main source of income and allowed the community to continue.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada History
Santo Domingo de la Calzada is an important place on the Jacobean Route, founded by Saint Dominic in the 11th century. He built a road, a bridge and a hostel to help pilgrims on their way to Santiago. The town grew around his hermitage and became an important crossing point for those following the route.
In 1120, a small town grew up around the tomb of Saint Dominic, which in 1232 became a diocese. In 1250, it became dependent on the king, and Alfonso VIII granted charters to help its growth. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the wall surrounding the city was built.
In the 18th century, the city was remodelled, moving the centre from the Plaza del Santo to the Plaza Mayor. In the 19th century, Santo Domingo de la Calzada became the capital of the region and judicial district with the creation of the province of Logroño. In 1973, its old town was declared a Historic-Artistic Site.
Saint Dominic of the Causeway Legend
The legend of Santo Domingo de la Calzada tells how a young German named Hugonell, during his pilgrimage, was unjustly accused of stealing a silver cup. The innkeeper's daughter, in love with him, hid the cup in her luggage to get revenge. The young man was sentenced to death and hanged.
The next day, Hugonell's parents discovered that their son was alive. He told them that Saint Dominic had saved him. They went to inform the mayor, but he, incredulous, said that the young man was as alive as a rooster and a hen that he was about to eat. At that moment, the animals revived, thus confirming the miracle.
Today, in the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a chicken coop with a live rooster and hen is preserved, in memory of this prodigy.
What to see in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and surroundings
We've already seen the must-see places in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, but there is much more to explore in the surrounding area. A short distance away is Haro, famous for its winemaking tradition and the Wine Battle in San Pedro on June 29. Don't miss its palatial streets and visit the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Vega.
Another nearby stop is Nájera, with the impressive Monastery of Santa María la Real. Nájera is also an important point on the Camino de Santiago, making it a must-see.
Nearby is also San Millán de la Cogolla, famous for its Suso and Yuso monasteries, the birthplace of the language and a World Heritage Site. And if you fancy crossing over to the province of Burgos, Belorado will surprise you with its murals on the Camino de Santiago and the Inocencio Bocanegra Radio Communication Museum.
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