There are a number of interesting towns and locations in the region, but the following really stand out due to both their proximity and importance. THE ROUTE OF THE MONASTERIES

1.- The Santa Maria La Real Monastery in Nájera (See the History of Nájera section)

2-The Monasteries of Saint Millán

The Suso monastery is cut into the rock and was both the saint’s home and the place where he was buried in 574. Initially a Visigothic building it also has Mozarabic and Romanic features (6th and 10th Century). It is also said to be the location of the tombs of the Seven Princes of Lara.

The Yuso monastery was founded in the 11th century by King Don Garcia of Nájera, combines different styles, on account of later reconstructions. Among its highlights are the gothic cloisters, the gold and marble chests containing he saint’s

the saint’s relics, and its unique Library and Archives.
In addition to its artistic value, this is the place where the first words of the Spanish and Basque languages were set down in writing (the Glosas Emilianenses). For all of the above reasons, these monasteries have been recognised as a World Heritage Site.

3.- The Cañas Monastery

This romanesque and gothic Cistercian monastery was founded in 1179. The chapter house was constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries. The 12th century church has three naves and numerous windows that give it a special illuminated quality.

4.- Valvanera Monastery

This monastery lies hidden in a landscape of outstanding natural beauty. Surrounded by extensive forests and set against a backdrop of the San Lorenzo range, with all its peaks, it offers splendid panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountain tops.

The monastery is of special interest not only on account of its spectacular location, but also because the patron saint of La Rioja, the Virgin of Valvanera, is venerated in its late gothic church.

THE SANTIAGO WAY

1.- Logroño

Logroño, 25 km from Nájera, is the capital of the Autonomous region and has around 140,000 inhabitants.

The town houses the remnants of an important Roman enclave known as Vareia. Alfonso VI granted the city the Legal Code of Logroño, of special importance in the world of law.

Of artistic note are the churches of Santa María de Palacio, a late romanesque place of worship with a pointed, gothic pyramidal tower, and San Bartolomé, San María la Redonda and Santiago. Among other noteworthy buildings and secular structures include the ProvincialMuseum that was once the home of General Esparter, the La Rioja Parliament and the “Revellín” city gate. Apart form the numerous splendid restaurants, nobody should leave the city without trying the tapas and local wine in the streets of Laurel and San Juan.

2.- Navarrete

The town is noteworthy for its historical interest and monuments, on account of which it has been declared an Artistic Heritage Site. Of particular interest are the 16th century church and the Cemetery Gate. Its population is increasing because of its proximity to the capital, and its industry is expanding beyond the traditional pottery business that can still be seen today.

3.- Santo Domingo

At a crucial spot on the La Rioja section of the Santiago Way, it is located on the banks of the river Oja (that gives its name to the region) and has a population of around 6,300 inhabitants.

Saint Domingo was educated in the Valvanera Monastery and dedicated his life to helping pilgrims; in 1044 he played a vital role in improving connections between the Roman road and the bridge over the river Oja, as well as the hospital and the pilgrims’ lodgings. Several miracles relating to the Santiago Way and its pilgrims have been attributed to him, in commemoration of which a live rooster and hen are still found in the cathedral today. After the saint’s death, the city grew up around his hermitage, and nowadays the Cathedral, with its splendid tower, the House of the Saint, the Parador,the saint’s square and the old town, are well worth a visit.

THE WINE ROUTE

1.- Cenicero

Stop for some sightseeing at the San Martín Parish Church, or wander the streets to spot the mansions with their coats-of-arms.
If you’ve got the energy for another drink before the end of the day, visit the Berberana or Riojanas wineries, which are famous for their high-quality wine.

2.- San Asensio

Visit the well-cared-for old quarter, where a good number of ancestral homes constructed predominantly in ashlar stone, still

retain their original coats-of-arms, railings and coffered ceilings. The village’s traditional wine production supports numerous wineries, some of which date back to the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and it is famous for its Rosé wine. The Rosé Battle is held every year on July 25th, when the locals soak themselves in the brew until they are reeling happily.

3.- Briones

Briones is noteworthy for its church and especially attractive old town. Nowadays, however, Briones is best known for the Wine Museum, which is located in the Dinastía de Vivanco winery. This place simply must be visited and contains everything related to wine-making, including highly valuable ethnographic and artistic relics. If there enough time, starting from Briones, we can visit Sonsierra San Vicente, Briñas and Äbalos, on the other side of the Ebro, with their interesting wineries and ancestral houses.

4.- Haro

The excursion ends in Haro, capital of Upper La Rioja, famous for its Upper La Rioja Wineries, and the Muga, Federico Paternina, Bilbaína, etc, wineries, a cornucopia of fine local wines stamped with the La Rioja quality seal.