La+Rioja

11/23

Great day,

My group has chosen La Rioja and I have done day 1 & 2 which include two different cities. We first will go to Logroño which is the capitol and stay at the hotel there the entire trip. It is nice and convenient to stay in the city and drive to different cities everyday. Our first day we will stay in Logroño and visit the attractions.

Some history: The Codex Calixtinus (12th century), the first guide to the Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela, makes mention of Logroño in its pages. And it is a fact that the passing of merchants, artists and pilgrims through the cobbled streets of the capital of La Rioja for centuries has made the city a crossroads of considerable cultural importance. The river Ebro passes through the city and spanning it are two bridges which are used to connect Logroño with Navarre and Álava. The oldest of them is the Puente de Piedra (stone bridge), which takes the Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela into the city. Originally (in the 11th century), it was fortified by four arches and three towers. Another bridge, this time made of iron and built in the 19th century, also crosses this tidal river. Still standing from the old walls which surrounded the city are the Revellín wall and the Carlos I gate. During the festivals to honour Logroño's patron saint, this site is the scene of ceremonies which commemorate the French seige of the city. Logroño also has fine examples of civil architecture, such as the palaces of the Marquis of Legarda, Los Chapiteles or the Museum of La Rioja, located in the palace of Espartero, a baroque construction from the 18th century. The avenues and squares of Logroño are also a good alternative for enjoying the atmosphere of the streets. The Paseo del Espolón is one of the emblematic centres of the city and the Market square a popular meeting place for its inhabitants.

The second day we will drive not to far to Briones to visit a vineyard. Winery is the number one economy income for the country so it is very vital to the country.

That was my task for La Rioja, for more details about the other days of the intinerary please view the powerpoint.

Hasta Luego