Discover Zarratón: Camino de Santiago, History and Dances

The Camino Riojano de enlace entre el camino interior del norte con el Camino de Santiago francés passes through Zarratón. This route is protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest in the “Historic Route” category and connects the Camino Interior del Norte with the Camino de Santiago Francés. The Camino de Santiago passes through the town centre of Zarratón and reaches the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción.

Culture

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción in Zarratón is a Gothic monument well worth seeing. Its entrance features a Flamboyant Gothic portico with a keel arch and floral ornamentation. The church’s altarpiece contains a Baroque depiction of Saint Roch as a pilgrim, which is connected with the former Jacobean cult in Zarratón.

History and Cuisine

A former fortified district in Zarratón was converted into the palace of the Counts of Casafuerte. Around the 17th century, the palace belonged to the Marquises of Morata. The historic Casafuerte Palace is now operated as a hotel and restaurant. At Restaurante Palacio de Casafuerte, visitors can sample typical dishes from La Rioja as well as a selected, elaborately prepared author’s cuisine. The restaurant is located in the granaries of the former palace, which had previously been an original wine cellar and belonged to the Counts of Casafuerte.

Landscape

On the approach to Zarratón, the route passes the Ermita de San Andrés. Zarratón is situated on a hill and overlooks an extensive plain between wide-ranging agricultural fields in the northwest of La Rioja. On the Camino Riojano de enlace entre el camino interior del norte con el Camino de Santiago francés, the route crosses the Zamaca River and reaches Zarratón from the north. In and around Zarratón, there are various routes and walking trails for enjoying nature.

More town pages: Fuenmayor, Arenzana De Abajo, Arnedillo, Enciso, Entrena, Lardero, Igea, Villamediana de Iregua

Traditions

Zarratón is known as the town of the seven hermitages and seven dances. The local festivals include San Blas on 3 February as well as the festivals of the Virgen and San Roque on 15 and 16 August; the dances are a particular highlight. The Troqueados of Zarratón comprise a Pasacalles and six specifically named dances: la morenita, los caballitos, las ovejitas, el bailao, el soldadito and el ocho. During this festival, the dancers of Zarratón accompany the residents from the three gates of the walled square to the church; after Mass, Troqueados are danced. At the same festival, a tasting of Torta and Rosco is offered, organised by the Ayuntamiento.

If you are planning to stay in a holiday apartment in Zarratón, check the available options for your travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions. This allows you to compare these details clearly and align your travel planning with them step by step.

To the overarching travel overview: La Rioja.