Discover Arenzana de Abajo: Church, Nativity Scene and the Najerilla

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Arenzana de Abajo is designated as a National Monument. It was built from ashlar masonry during the final two-thirds of the 16th century. Its interior has three naves, each with four bays, a triple polygonal apse and star-ribbed vaults. At the rear of the church interior there is a choir loft above a star-ribbed vault. The main altarpiece is an ensemble made of gilded and polychrome-painted wood from the early 17th century, of notable historical and artistic value, adapted to the apse of the church.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Arenzana de Abajo, you can consider travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions as separate points of comparison. Depending on the planned length of your stay and your preferred daily rhythm, these details can be considered alongside the town’s cultural, scenic and festive themes.

Culture

At Christmas, Arenzana de Abajo displays the only mechanical nativity scene in La Rioja. It is currently located in the Church of Arenzana de Abajo. The nativity scene occupies an area of 50 square metres and comprises 18 scenes featuring craftspeople such as carpenters, woodcutters and knife sharpeners.

According to its inscription, the Casa de la Inquisición bears the year 1556. A wayside cross in Arenzana de Abajo dates from the second half of the 16th century. The construction of a wayside cross in Arenzana de Abajo is dated to the 16th century. During Holy Week, a procession goes around a wayside cross in Arenzana de Abajo and then returns to the village.

The Ermita del Carmen is a building erected in the 17th century in honour of the Virgin Carmen, located on the LR-113 road very close to the Najerilla River. At Bodegas y Viñedos Moral, there is an area for public sales on the ground floor.

Nature

It is possible to swim in the Najerilla River in the Puente de Arenzana area. The Puente de Arenzana area also includes an extensive recreational area with barbecue facilities. Along the banks of the Najerilla River there are planted poplar groves as well as individual riverside trees such as willows and ash trees.

The combination of the church interior, riverbank and festival calendar offers different ways to structure your stay around cultural, nature-related or community themes. Various focal points can stand alongside one another without the historical details and landscape merging into a single travel itinerary.

The Festival del Pimiento y la Anchoa has taken place since 1997 on the Sunday before the celebrations in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua on 8 September. The Concurso de Calderetas has taken place since 1992 on the first day of the September celebrations in honour of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua. A gastronomic tasting is part of the programme at a festival in Arenzana de Abajo.

Other places in the same regional context: Sajazarra, Igea, Lagunilla del Jubera, Navarrete, Zarratón, El Horcajo, Hornos de Moncalvillo, Aldeanueva de Cameros

For the higher-level travel overview: La Rioja.