Leaving Navarra behind, EuroVelo 1 enters the land that tastes of wine par excellence: La Rioja. The route reaches Logroño through a surprising landscape among vineyards along the historical and cultural itinerary of the French Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago.
Logroño is reached through an area bordering on the River Ebro until the historical Stone Bridge is crossed. On the other bank of the river the old quarter of the city invites us to explore its winding streets where it welcomes us with its well known oenogastronomic offerings. Calle Laurel, Calle de San Juan, and many other spaces in the centre serve tapas and high quality meals, which are always accompanied by wines famous the world over. History and art are also represented by monuments such as the Cubo del Revellín and its Walls, the Concatedral de la Redonda, the Churches of Santiago and San Bartolomé, and the Church of Palacio with its peculiar cupola in the form of a steeple.
The route advances through the outskirts of the city, crossing the Parque de la Grajera and its reservoir to take up again the natural landscapes and the vineyards as far as Navarrete. There you can enjoy a heritage associated with the Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago, such as the Hospital de San Juan de Acre and the imposing church of the town.
We continue pedalling among vineyards through Ventosa until we reach Nájera, the birthplace of kings and the nerve centre of the medieval kingdom of Nájera-Pamplona. Crossing the bridge over the River Najerilla, the banks of which deserve a walk, we come to the town. History and culture come together in a visit not to be missed to the Church of Santa María La Real, where we can see the Panteón Real with the sepulchres of kings and princes of Pamplona, Castiila, and León. No less interesting is the exquisiteness of the choir stalls, which were carved in about 1495, and the decorative richness of the cloister with its fine stone tracery.
Another visit that can be recommended is that of the Museo Najerillense, where part of the history of the town is exhibited.
Comments: Section 6