A dissemination blog about travel and gastronomy
Calahorra: A Historical Treasure in the Heart of La Rioja, Spain
Place Description
Calahorra, located in the autonomous community of La Rioja, Spain, is a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. It is the second largest city in the region and is located on the right bank of the Cidacos River. Calahorra is famous for its impressive architectural heritage, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.
Tourist Interest
Calahorra offers a wealth of tourist attractions that attract visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the highlights:
Santa Maria Cathedral
The Santa Maria Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Calahorra. This impressive late Gothic style building was built in the 15th century and is famous for its beautiful main altarpiece and its baroque organ.
Museum of Romanization
The Museum of Romanization offers a fascinating insight into the history of Calahorra during Roman times. The museum has a wide collection of ancient artifacts, including coins, sculptures, and mosaics.
Episcopal Palace
The Episcopal Palace is another of Calahorra's historic buildings. This 16th-century palace is now the headquarters of the Bishopric of Calahorra and La Calzada-Logroño.
Gastronomy
Calahorra is famous for its delicious cuisine. The city is especially known for its vegetables, which are a main ingredient in many local dishes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes in the city's numerous restaurants and tapas bars.
Festivals and Events
Calahorra is also known for its vibrant festivals and events. Among the most notable are the Holy Week, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, and the patron saint festivals in honor of San Emeterio and San Celedonio.
Surroundings
The surroundings of Calahorra also offer a wealth of tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the beautiful countryside of La Rioja, visit the numerous wineries in the region, or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Gastronomic Products of Calahorra
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Vegetables from Calahorra
Calahorra is famous for the quality of its vegetables, especially artichokes, peppers, and asparagus. These products are the basis of many traditional dishes in the region and are grown in the fertile land of the Ebro Riverbank. The Calahorra artichoke even has a Protected Geographical Indication, which guarantees its quality and origin.
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Rioja Wine
Calahorra is located in the La Rioja wine region, famous for its high-quality red wines. The wineries in the area produce wines with Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes. Rioja wines are known for their balance and complexity, with notes of red fruits, spices, and often with a touch of oak due to their aging in barrels.
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Chuletillas al Sarmiento
This is a typical dish from the La Rioja region and very popular in Calahorra. It consists of lamb chops roasted over vine shoots, which gives them a very characteristic smoky flavor. They are usually served with Riojan-style potatoes and vegetables from the Calahorra garden.
Outstanding Gastronomic Places in Calahorra
Calahorra, in La Rioja, is a city with a rich culinary tradition. Here you can find everything from traditional taverns to high-end restaurants, all offering delicious local dishes. Here are some of the most outstanding:
La Comedia Restaurant
Located in the heart of Calahorra, La Comedia Restaurant is famous for its excellent Riojan cuisine. Here you can taste traditional dishes such as Riojan potatoes, Riojan cod and roasted lamb. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make this place a perfect option to enjoy an unforgettable meal.
El Rincón de Luis Tavern
If you are looking for a charming place with good prices, El Rincón de Luis Tavern is an excellent option. This cozy establishment offers a wide variety of tapas and typical Riojan dishes, such as spicy potatoes, croquettes and cider chorizo. In addition, its extensive wine list will allow you to pair your favorite dishes with the best selection of wines from La Rioja.
Parador de Calahorra Restaurant
The Parador de Calahorra Restaurant is an emblematic place in the city. With a cuisine based on Riojan tradition, it offers dishes such as vegetable stew, suckling lamb and cod ajoarriero. Its elegant decoration and its careful selection of wines make this restaurant an ideal option for special occasions.
La Cueva Tavern
La Cueva Tavern is a place with a lot of history in Calahorra. With a rustic and cozy atmosphere, it offers a wide variety of tapas and traditional Riojan dishes. Its specialty is grilled meats, but its homemade stews and artisan desserts also stand out. In addition, it has a wide selection of wines from the region.
Sporting Activities in Calahorra (La Rioja)
Hiking and Cycling
Calahorra, located in the Cidacos river valley, offers a large number of hiking and cycling routes. You can explore the natural beauty of the region, including the vineyards of La Rioja and the mountains of the Sierra de la Hez.
Wine Tourism
La Rioja is famous for its wines and Calahorra is no exception. Although it is not a traditional sport, wine tourism can be a physical activity if you choose to tour the vineyards on foot or by bike. There are several wineries in the area that offer tours and tastings.
Canoeing
The Ebro river passes near Calahorra and is a popular place for canoeing. There are several companies that offer equipment rental and guided tours, for both beginners and more experienced canoeists.
Golf
If you like golf, there are several courses in the surroundings of Calahorra. The La Rioja Golf Club, located about 30 minutes by car, is one of the most popular.
Places near Calahorra
If you are in Calahorra and wish to explore a bit more, here we present some nearby cities and towns that offer unique tourist and gastronomic experiences:
JourneyGourmet
2 de Febrero de 2024
España