Route of the Monasteries of La Rioja
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Monasteries in La Rioja
Our area offers a wide variety of possibilities and, one of the most popular, is to soak up the heritage and culture through the Monastery Route. Between mountains and in the middle of a valley, we can find up to seven monasteries of great beauty and historical value that are well worth visiting, not only for the buildings themselves, but also for the environment in which they are located. Furthermore, they are all located in our area and therefore within walking distance of our hotel. And, of course, two of them are the Yuso and Suso Monasteries.
Next, we are going to propose a personalized route through all the monasteries in the area from our hotel with a personalized map that you can find at the end of this page so that you can enjoy one of the most special plans in La Rioja, the Route of the Monasteries.
“Discover the jewels of Riojan heritage and culture through this route between monasteries and charming towns in La Rioja”
The Route of the Monasteries in La Rioja: Six stops + an extra visit that cannot be missed
Abadía de Santa María de San Salvador
In Cañas, 13 minutes from Hostería San Millán
Due to proximity, this could be the first stop. In the town of Cañas is Santa María del Salvador, also known as the Monastery of Light, due to the light that enters through its stained glass windows and its orientation. Inhabited by Cistercian nuns, it was one of the first Cistercian female communities on the peninsula.
The construction of this monastery began in the 12th century with a Romanesque style, continuing in the 13th and ending in the 16th. The museum also stands out, which houses some relics such as the skulls that, according to legend, belong to one of the “eleven thousand virgins” of the legend of Saint Úrsula.
Visiting hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Price: €4
Nuestra Señora de la Anunciación
In Santo Domingo de la Calzada, 15 minutes from Cañas
Santo Domingo de La Calzada is home to a rich historical-artistic heritage, where the Cathedral stands out above all and among which is also this monastery, inhabited by Cistercian nuns since 1610, the date when work on the new monastery began.
In the main chapel, there is an altarpiece from the mid-19th century. 18th century baroque style. The monastery, in its commitment to the Camino de Santiago, has a free hostel for pilgrims, located in the old Casa del Capellan.
Visiting hours: From 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Santa María la Real de Nájera
In Nájera, 20 minutes from Santo Domingo de la Calzada
It is located in Nájera, one of the most important municipalities in La Rioja and a key point on the Camino de Santiago.
With almost 1000 years of history, this monastery was founded by Don García Sánchez III “el de Nájera”. The current church is from the 16th century and several styles such as Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance are mixed here. This monastery houses the remains of several kings and historical figures such as the tomb of the Dukes of Nájera or that of Don Diego López de Haro.
Visiting hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. From October to March from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the afternoons. (July, August and September open on Mondays) Price: €4
Basílica de Santa María de los Arcos
In Tricio, five minutes from Nájera
We are facing the oldest religious monument in all of La Rioja, declared a national monument since 1978. The time of its construction is not very clear, but it seems that it may date from the early Christian era, back in the 5th century.
The interior of this basilica houses interesting architecture, paintings and canvases with centuries of history. It was used as a cemetery, since numerous tombs and funerary steles from Roman times have been found there. The metal floor makes it possible to walk over it and enjoy these wonderful architectural remains.
Visiting hours: Visits take place on weekends. Tel: Núria 620 923 644 //Delia 676 699 377
Monasterie of Valvanera
In Valvanera, 40 minutes from Tricio and 40 minutes from San Millán
Located in a privileged natural environment that gives it special beauty, in the heart of the Sierra de la Demanda, this monastery is the destination of many pilgrimage routes. Throughout its centuries of history it has undergone numerous transformations. The first temple could have been Visigothic, in the 11th century the Romanesque church was built and it has suffered several fires, one in 1809, caused by Napoleon’s troops in the War of Independence.
Around the monastery you can walk and take various routes enjoying the exceptional nature of the area.
Visiting hours: Free access to the Sanctuary from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Guided tours from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Price: €3
Monasteries of Yuso y Suso
In Valvanera, 40 minutes from Tricio and 40 minutes from San Millán
They are located in the place where we are located, San Millán de la Cogolla, and are the two most important monasteries on the entire route of the Monasteries of La Rioja, declared a World Heritage Site for their high historical value and for housing the first documents that They are known written in the Spanish language.
Staying at our hotel, you will already be visiting one of the monasteries, Yuso. On our website you can find all the information about the Yuso and Suso Monasteries, including schedules and prices.
An extra visit to complete your Route of the Monasteries in La Rioja and that we always recommend
Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de la Piedad
In Casalareina
This 16th century monastery is inhabited by Cloistered Contemplative Dominican nuns.
The style of the monastery has great influence from the time of the Catholic Monarchs, especially the nave of the church.
The main door of the monastery is the richest in La Rioja, mainly for its stone altarpiece. The convent houses a grandiose gallery, 8 plateresque doorways, canvases or sculptures.
Visiting hours: Varies depending on the time of year. In summer, visits are from Monday to Sunday at 5, 6, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Price: €3
Three recommendations to fully enjoy this Route of the Monasteries in La Rioja