The best running trails around Santo Domingo De La Calzada

The pilgrimage route repeatedly involves crossing valleys and rivers like the Rio Oja – as here at Santo Domingo de la Calzada. The bridges are sometimes relatively modern, sometimes medieval, and sometimes even older.

It crosses the Oja River, connecting different parts of the city. Built in the 12th century by Saint Dominic de la Calzada to facilitate the passage of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The stone bridge features several arches, a fine example of medieval engineering.

The Torreón de Sor María de Leiva is one of the historical attractions of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. It is part of the walled enclosure of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Built between the 14th and 16th centuries, the tower is an example of the defensive architecture of the period. The tower and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities for photography, especially at sunset.

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, also known as the Cathedral of El Salvador, is an impressive monument located in the town of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. The cathedral was built between the 12th and 13th centuries, combining Romanesque and Gothic styles. A unique feature is its free-standing tower, separated from the main body of the cathedral.

Again and again on the pilgrimage route - as here at Santo Domingo de la Calzada - valleys have to be crossed and rivers like the Rio Oja have to be crossed. The bridges are sometimes relatively modern, sometimes medieval and sometimes even older.

The primitive Romanesque church was built dedicated to the Savior and Saint Mary. In 1098, King Alfonso VI donated land for its construction. The cathedral was consecrated in 1106 by Bishop Don Pedro Nazar. It later became a collegiate church around 1158 and finally a cathedral after 1232. Since then, it has been the seat of the bishop of Calahorra-La Calzada. Construction of the current church began in 1158, preserving much of the old structure. In the 16th century, the right part of the transept was raised to house the tomb of Saint Dominic.

The cathedral houses a chicken coop in which a live rooster and hen live. The animals are protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Government of La Rioja. The rooster and hen are replaced every two weeks and are there to commemorate the legend of the hanged man. This account that a pilgrim was hanged after being accused of robbery. When his parents went to see the body, they found that he was alive. The pilgrim told them that Santo Domingo de la Calzada had saved his life. The parents told the mayor of the city, who did not believe them and told them: "Your son is as alive as the roasted rooster and hen that I am eating." According to legend, the animals regained their feathers and came back to life at that very moment.

This classic stone bridge is original from the 11th century to facilitate the passage of pilgrims, but it was rebuilt many times to adapt it to the times.