Castañares de Rioja: Culture, Routes and Tradition

The Parroquia de la Virgen de la Natividad was built mainly in the 16th century from dressed stone and has a single nave divided into three sections, as well as a rectangular apse. In the presbytery is the late Gothic Hispano-Flemish image Virgen de la Silla from the late 15th century. The building’s form and the artwork draw attention to different aspects of the town.

Culture

The town’s built heritage also includes the Ermita de San Miguel in the cemetery. The masonry building has dressed stone at the corners and a two-section pitched roof. Along Calle Mayor, the townscape also preserves old stately homes made of dressed stone, with coats of arms and elaborately decorated eaves. At Calle Mayor 15, you can see the stately home and the coat of arms of the Ruiz de Zelada family, dating from 1724.

Traditions

Castañares de Rioja celebrates its patronal festival for the Nativity of the Virgin Mary on 8 September. The Mayo is still erected today. In the tradition of Puesta del Mayo, one of the largest poplar trees from the municipal poplar groves is selected, felled and stripped before being erected in the village square. The erected Mayo serves as a landmark for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James. Religious art, stately homes and this tradition reveal different aspects of the town’s cultural character, which can be considered separately when planning your own day.

Routes and Green Spaces

The Camino Natural Vía Verde del Oja, which also passes through Castañares de Rioja, runs mostly along the former narrow-gauge railway line between Haro and Ezcaray. The Camino Natural Vía Verde del Río Oja passes through the town and is suitable for walkers, cyclists and people with reduced mobility. As the Vía Verde del Oja route, it runs from Santo Domingo de la Calzada via Bañares and Castañares de Rioja to Casalarreina. Its route, possible uses and the places mentioned provide different points of reference for personal planning.

Castañares de Rioja has extensive parks and green spaces that are suitable for spending time outdoors. Alongside the routes, open areas are therefore also available as a distinct part of the townscape.

Other Destinations

Other destinations in the region include Cirueña, Sojuela, Viniegra de Abajo, Logroño, El Cortijo, Hornos de Moncalvillo, Gallinero De Cameros and Nájera.

Getting There

When comparing a holiday apartment in Castañares de Rioja, you can compare travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions on the offer pages. This information can be checked independently of the local topics, while culture, routes and time spent outdoors form the main themes when choosing the town.

Castañares de Rioja has three road connections: a northern approach from the direction of Haro, an eastern approach leading directly to the park and town centre, and a southern approach with connections to Villalobar de Rioja and Bañares.

For the general travel overview: La Rioja.