In the heart of La Rioja lies a medieval jewel that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a corner of history impregnated with spirituality, stands as an essential stop on the magical route of the Camino de Santiago.
From its intrinsic connection with the saint of the same name to its centuries-old monuments, this cobbled city reveals itself as a treasure of experiences for those who seek more than a simple journey: they seek to discover the very essence of the Camino.
In this entry we show you the wonders that make Santo Domingo de la Calzada an unforgettable destination for pilgrims.
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Link with the Camino de Santiago
The connection of Santo Domingo de la Calzada with the Camino de Santiago is dates back to the 11th century. Saint Dominic, a hermit turned saint, dedicated his life to improving the conditions of pilgrims.
His most notable contribution was construction of a bridge and a road to facilitate its crossing. For its part, the cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, houses the tomb of Saint Dominic and is an essential stop for pilgrims.
His legacy endures over time through the network of shelters and hospitals that he himself established to welcome exhausted pilgrims. These historic places have evolved, but the hospitable essence of it remains intact, offering refuge and support to modern pilgrims who follow in its footsteps.
Highlights and tourist attractions
If you have decided to hire the services of a agency to do the Camino de Santiago, you cannot ignore some of the most notable sites during your time in this city.
- Santo Domingo Cathedral: It is a sacred place that mixes architectural styles. This cathedral not only houses the saint’s tomb, but also an impressive collection of sacred art with altarpieces, sculptures and frescoes that illustrate the religious history of the region.
- Parador of Santo Domingo de la Calzada: This former hospital for pilgrims has been transformed into a luxurious inn. It offers visitors a unique experience, fusing history and modern comfort.
- Plaza of Spain: This charming public space, surrounded by historic buildings and traditional cobblestones, invites pilgrims and visitors to stop and absorb the very essence of the city.
Historical places
- Bridge over the Oja: Built by Santo Domingo, this pedestrian bridge is not only a physical connection over the Oja River. Also an enduring symbol of dedication to pilgrims, as it was built to facilitate their journey.
- Medieval walls: Rising majestically, these fortifications offer a fascinating glimpse of ancient defensive architecture that has endured through the centuries. Exploring them is taking a step back in time to connect with the history of this city.
What to do in Santo Domingo de la Calzada?
Santo Domingo de la Calzada, beyond its historical monuments, offers a variety of enriching experiences for those who explore this city on the Camino de Santiago. Here we present some unmissable activities:
- Walking the way: The city marks a crucial point on the Camino de Santiago, just over 20 km west of Najera, and many pilgrims begin or end their journey here. Taking a moment to absorb the unique atmosphere of this town before hitting the road is essential.
- Taste the local gastronomy: The city has a gastronomic offer that reflects the rich culinary tradition of La Rioja. You can try local dishes such as Rioja-style cod or enjoy a glass of regional wine in one of the cozy restaurants.
- Participate in celebrations religious: If your visit coincides with a religious holiday, joining local celebrations can provide a unique insight into the culture and devotion of the region.
Tips for pilgrims
Here are some practical tips to make your time in this charming city as comfortable and memorable as possible:
- Book in advance: Given the popularity of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.
- Explore calmly: Santo Domingo de la Calzada has a wealth of historical monuments and charming corners to discover. Take the time to explore the cathedral, Plaza de España and cobblestone streets carefully. Every corner tells a unique story.
- Meet the locals: Interacting with local residents can add unmatched value to your experience. The residents of Santo Domingo are known for their friendliness, and learning about their stories and traditions can enrich your trip.
- Essential stores and services: Before undertaking the next stage, make sure you have everything you need. Santo Domingo has stores where you can stock up on food, water and other essentials for the trip.
Check the status of the road: Before leaving, check the status of the Camino de Santiago. Weather conditions and unexpected events can affect your journey, and it is important to be prepared. The next important city you will encounter, on your way west from Santo Domingo de la Calzada, is Burgos, about 70 km.
Other Jacobean Routes that may interest you
Surely you knew that there are other pilgrimage routes to Compostela. Here is a brief description of three of the main ones.
One of the most picturesque landscapes that offers the walker is the Northern Way, which goes from west to east along the coast of the Cantabrian Sea, and can be done in about 35 stages. It is one of the most demanding, and it is preferable to do it in summer, since in winter the climate is usually very hostile.
On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese Way of the Coast, leaves from Porto, passes through Viana do Castelo and Vigo. It is a route that can be done in about two weeks or a little more. Some walkers choose Viana do Castelo as a starting point to reduce it by about 75 kilometers.
El Portuguese Way of Tui, which although it begins in Lisbon, many pilgrims decide to do it from the city of Tui (Pontevedra), next to the Miño River, is an experience worth highlighting.
Still, if what you prefer is to do the trip of the French way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela organized, you have the option of starting in this beautiful town in Lugo and doing it in about 5 or 6 days.
