Cervera Del Río Alhama – Culture, Nature and Trails

In Cervera Del Río Alhama, the remains of the medieval Castillo medieval y peña del castillo date from the 13th and 14th centuries. Medieval frescoes can still be viewed today in the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Monte. The Iglesia de San Gil was built in 1123 on the orders of Alfonso I el Batallador.

Culture and History

The Iglesia de Santa Ana also preserves remarkable furnishings: the main altarpiece and the organ in the gallery are considered works of art. In the San Miguel district stands the Nevera de San Miguel, a building constructed in the 16th century in the Mudéjar style, which was used to collect and store snow from the winter. The Yacimiento de las Navillas was classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “Historic Site” category on 23 June 2000. The site contains 305 dinosaur tracks forming 131 trackways of carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs.

The history continues in the local craft tradition: as early as the 19th century, the alpargatas from Cervera crossed regional and international borders. The Museo de la Alpargata is a museum of ethnography and anthropology. It is open to the public but has restricted access; prior registration is required for group visits. The guided tour “Visitas guiadas en Cervera del Río Alhama” explores the origins and historical development of the town in historical, linear form and takes place on request following prior reservation.

Nature and Trails

Cervera Del Río Alhama lies entirely within the Biosphere Reserve of the Leza, Jubera, Cidacos and Alhama valleys, internationally recognised by UNESCO. The approximately 12 km-long Camino Verde del Alhama runs parallel to the banks of the Río Alhama between cliffs where numerous vultures nest, and passes ethnographic and archaeological attractions such as the Yacimiento de Contrebia Leukade. Its surface is suitable for walkers and bicycles. On the Camino Verde from Cervera towards Aguilar, you reach the Pozo Verde, a waterfall on the Río Alhama.

The GR-93 comprises two sections starting from Cervera: 24 km towards Cornago and 12 km towards Valverde. The section to Valverde runs along paths between vineyards and almond trees. Stage 11, “Cervera del Río Alhama-Valverde”, is 11.66 km long and is scheduled to take three hours. In the Valle del Alhama, Cervera also has a stargazing site near the Ermita de la Soledad.

Festivals and Traditions

The patron saint festivities of Cervera del Río Alhama take place from 24 to 28 July and from 29 August to 3 September. Important feast days are 26 July in honour of the patron saint Santa Ana and 1 September in honour of San Gil. La Gaita is Cervera’s traditional dance; the name also refers to the music to which dulzaineros accompany the dance. On the last weekend of September, the Garrapiteo takes place in the Plaza de San Gil and the Barranco Tollo as an enogastronomic and cultural festival.

Further Places: Haro, Bergasa, Alesón, Clavijo, Villalba De Rioja, Torremontalbo, Nájera, Cuzcurrita De Río Tirón

To the overarching travel overview: La Rioja.