Logroño

Logroño,the capital of La Rioja, is a busy university city with a population of around 150,000. It is also at the centre of the regions wine industry.
 
As well as it’s wine industry, Logroño also makes a living from the production of metal and textiles.
 
The Iglesia de Santiago el Real is located on the camino route at the end of Calle Rúa Vieja. Above the entrance Santiago Matamoros (Santiago, the Moor slayer) depicted riding into battle. The building is on the site of a 9th century church built to honour the battle of Clavijo where Santiago Matamoros helped defeat the Moors. Inside, the image of the Virgen de la Esperanza, Logroño’s patron saint, is displayed. Along the same street you’ll find the famous pilgrim’s fountain along with many carvings related to the camino.
 
The Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda is built on the site of an old circular Romanesque church in the Plaza del Mercado. It’s two Baroque towers rise high above the market square and are currently home to a couple of large storks nests. Inside the cathedral are the carvings of Gregorio Fernández and a representation of the way of the cross by the Renaissance maestro Michelangelo. The cathedral is open from 08:15am – 13:15pm and 18:30- 19:00. You’ll also find a few cafes scattered around the square.
 
The Iglesia de Santa María de Palacio, found next to the hostel, is the oldest church in Logroño. It’s Gothic pyramid tower, Aguja as it is locally known, dominates the capital’s skyline and has become the emblem of the city. Inside the church is a magnificent cloisters and several Romanesque pieces to admire.
 
The 12th century Iglesia San Bartolomé with it’s distinctive Mudejar tower is nearby. Devoted to the patron saint of the city, it preserves an exquisite Romanesque sculptured front, the only example of Romanesque art in the city.
 
Logroño also has fine examples of civil architecture, such as the Palacio de la Marquis of Legarda, Los Chapiteles or the Museo de La Rioja, which can be found in the 18th century Baroque Palacio de Espartero.
 
The Paséo del Espolón is one of the emblematic centres of the city with it’s statue of General Espartero at the center.
 
On the first Saturday before the 21st of September every year the Fiesta de San Mateo, wine festival takes place in the Paséo del Espolón is worth watching.
 
The Plaza del Mercado is a popular meeting place for the city’s inhabitants.