Discover Peciña: Romanesque Architecture in the Sierra Cantabria

History and Architecture

Peciña originally developed at the site of the Romanesque church of Santa María de la Piscina. After the Battle of Nájera, the population of the settlement near Santa María de la Piscina moved to the present-day location of Peciña. In the 14th century, Peciña was devastated by the troops of Enrique de Trastámara. The Santa María de la Piscina hermitage is considered the most complete and finest surviving Romanesque building in La Rioja.

The Santa María de la Piscina archaeological complex includes a necropolis dating from the period of repopulation. Santa María de la Piscina stands on a small hill overlooking the Ebro Valley, 1 km from Peciña.

The parish church of San Martín stands in the highest part of Peciña and is reached via an entrance staircase. At the Zabala complex, at least ten wine presses carved into the rock can be seen. The Zabala complex is considered to be a former winery for producing white and rosé wines. The complex can be reached via an unpaved country track from the LR424.

Peciña’s old washhouse is well worth a visit. Local history, Romanesque architecture, archaeological evidence and paths through the landscape offer different perspectives on Peciña. For your own tour, you can consider these themes separately or combine them, choosing your own focus. The different types of route can also be taken into account separately.

Landscape and Paths

Peciña lies at an altitude of 700 m at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria. In Peciña, you can enjoy peace and nature. Narrow streets and stone houses characterize the village and give a walk through it a clearly recognizable architectural structure.

The Dólmenes y Ermitas route leads to Peciña and includes a visit to the church of San Martín. This route also offers panoramic views in Peciña. Local history, religious buildings and the landscape come together here along a designated route.

The passage grave Dolmen de la Cascaja is located 500 m from Peciña. The Dolmen de la Cascaja can be reached via an unpaved country track from the LR424; it is recommended to leave the vehicle in the car park by the Basilica of Santa María de la Piscina and walk from there to the dolmen.

Peciña can be reached via a turnoff from the N232A onto the LR424. Local history, Romanesque architecture, archaeological evidence, paths, as well as peace and nature, represent different focal points for your own planning. The approach via the N232A and LR424, the unpaved country track to the outlying complexes and the entrance staircase to the parish church represent different types of route.

Other Places

Villarroya, Santo Domingo De La Calzada, Villalba De Rioja, Zarratón, Sajazarra, Ojacastro, Navarrete, Hornos de Moncalvillo

For the higher-level travel overview: La Rioja.