Arnedo amid castle history, museums and hiking trails

Arnedo can initially be explored on foot along the Sendero Monte de Vico. The circular route is 4.7 kilometres long and has a stated duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes. The trail begins at the car park on the road to Préjano, at the entrance to the access road to the Monasterio de Vico on the LR-382 road. It passes the Ermita de San Marcos and then reaches a viewpoint overlooking the Valle del Cidacos. The combination of a clearly stated route length, duration and viewpoint makes it easier to compare different daily itineraries.

History

The Castillo de Arnedo is a fortress of Muslim origin that belonged to the Banu Qasi family in the 9th century. It is located on the highest part of a hill on the north-eastern edge of the town. Another testament to the area's rock heritage is the Poblado Celtíbero del Cerro de San Miguel, which offers guided visits. The early medieval necropolis of Cerro de San Miguel contains anthropomorphic graves. Beneath the hill, the Cuevas de los Cien Pilares form a medieval underground complex that probably housed the Monasterio de San Miguel during the early medieval period.

The present-day building of the Iglesia de Santo Tomás was constructed in the late Gothic style at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. The Iglesia de Santo Tomás is also the oldest church in Arnedo.

Museums

The Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Arnedo is divided into three sections, “El Ser humano”, “La Tierra” and “La Vida”, and contains nearly 1,000 exhibits. In terms of content, it presents geological and biological development from the formation of the Earth and its minerals to the origin of life. The Museo Ciudad del Calzado de Arnedo is housed in the Nuevo Cinema building. The exhibition traces the history of footwear, from espadrilles and artisan shoemakers to the first industrial manufacturing processes.

Religious sites

The Monasterio Nuestra Señora de Vico was founded in 1456 by the Franciscan friar Fray López de Salinas and houses an exhibition of religious art. Visits are possible by appointment; only the church is open to visitors. The Iglesia de San Cosme y San Damián dates from the 16th century and is an ashlar church with three naves covered by star-ribbed vaults. Sebastián Sola and José Tovar created its main altarpiece, which was completed in 1699. The altar is gilded on a base of alabaster and polychromed wood.

Festivals and regional traditions

The Fiestas de San Cosme y San Damián are recognised as a Festival of National Tourist Interest. They include the traditions of Robo de los Santos and Rosario de la Aurora. Arnedo also has its own culinary tradition, showcased by the Día del Ajo Asado de Arnedo, held every year on Maundy Thursday and featuring a public tasting of roasted garlic and eggs.

Visitor information

Guided tours of the Castillo de Arnedo begin at the Arnedo Tourist Office at Paseo Constitución 38. A reservation or consultation with the Tourist Office is required for guided tours of the Museo de Ciencias Naturales de Arnedo.

Other places: Logroño, Villarejo, Almarza De Cameros, Enciso, Munilla, Grávalos, El Horcajo, Galilea.

The Cuevas de los Cien Pilares are open at weekends. The interior of the cave in the Patio de los Curas can be viewed permanently through a gate; access is only possible accompanied by a guide or as part of an organised activity.

Back to the main travel overview: La Rioja.