Logroño: The Complete Guide

Logrono lies mainly undiscovered among the vineyards of La Rioja. Not only the capital of Rioja, Spain’s wine growing region it is also possibly its gastronomical capital with a great selection of pintxos (Basque tapas) bars.  The town is full of of tree-studded squares, narrow streets and hidden corners.  Logroño is a city rich in history, originally the Roman town of Vareia, it grew during the Middle Ages being an important crossroad on the Way of St. James and strategic point between the kingdoms of Aragon, Castile and Navarra.

The history of Logroño cannot be separated from the Camino de Santiago . So much so, that the city did not gain importance until the height of the Jacobean route, from the eleventh century.

The Codex Calixtinus (12th century), the first guide to the Camino de Santiago, already mentions Logroño in its pages. And it is that the passage of merchants, artists and pilgrims through the cobbled streets of the Riojan capital for centuries have made the city a crossroads of great cultural relevance.

The Ebro river crosses the city and on it there are two bridges that serve to communicate Logroño with Navarra and Álava. The oldest of them is the Puente de Piedra , which allows the Jacobean route to reach the city. Originally (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 river channel.From the old wall that surrounded the city, the Revellín wall and the Carlos I gate remain standing. During the patron saint festivities, events that recall the French siege of the city are held in this place.The most important representations of Jacobean architecture appear around Rúa Vieja , a traditional passage street for pilgrims heading to Compostela, such as the Pilgrims ‘Hostel or the famous Pilgrims’ Fountain .

Nor does the church of Santiago leave any doubt about the importance of this jubilee route. This monumental building, erected in the 16th century, has a single nave and its façade shows a formidable image of Santiago Matamoros. Inside, the image of the Virgen de la Esperanza, patron saint of Logroño, is venerated.The historic center is home to important cultural events, such as the Cathedral of Santa María la Redonda (15th-18th centuries), which raises its imposing Baroque towers in the Market Square. The current cathedral enclosure sits on an old round Romanesque church. Of the important sculptural work present in the building, the carvings of Gregorio Fernández and a representation of Calvary by the Renaissance master Miguel Ángel stand out.There are many temples in Logroño, highlighting among them Santa María de Palacio , the oldest in the Riojan capital, which presides over the Logroño skyline with its Gothic spire. Inside you can admire a magnificent cloister, a Flemish altarpiece and various Romanesque pieces. Nearby is the Mudejar tower of the church of San Bartolomé , dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Built in the 12th century, it preserves an exquisite sculpted façade and constitutes the only example of Romanesque art in the city.

Logroño also has good examples of civil architecture, such as the Palace of the Marqués de Legarda , the Palace of the Chapiteles or the Museum of La Rioja , installed in the Espartero Palace, a baroque construction from the 18th century. The avenues and squares of Logroño are also a good option to enjoy the atmosphere of its streets. The Paseo del Espolón is one of the emblematic centers of the city and the Plaza del Mercado is a meeting place for its inhabitants.

History of Logroño

Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, has a storied past that dates back to Roman times, but it gained prominence in the Middle Ages as a stop on the Camino de Santiago, a major pilgrimage route. This historical significance is reflected in its old town, where medieval structures mix with Renaissance buildings. Logroño was officially founded in 1095 by King Alfonso VI and has since been a vital center of trade, especially known for its wine production. The city’s growth was significantly influenced by its strategic location on the pilgrimage route, which brought economic and cultural exchange.

In the 16th century, Logroño was the site of the “Witches of Zugarramurdi” trial, one of the most notorious witch trials in history, conducted by the Spanish Inquisition. Today, Logroño embraces its rich heritage while being known globally for its Rioja wine, which is celebrated through numerous festivals and events that attract visitors from around the world.

Visiting Logroño for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Logroño on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Logroño not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Logroño and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

New Logroño City Hall

New Logroño City Hall is located just a few minutes walking distance from the old one in city center.  In 1973, the mayor of Logroño, wrote to architect Rafael Moneo to inform him that he had been chosen to build the new Logroño City Hall. Begun in 1976 and completed in 1981, this work was […]

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Location: Plaza del Ayuntamiento Av. de la Paz, 11 26001 Logroño La Rioja Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 0.9km

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Visiting New Logroño City Hall

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Puente de Piedra

One of the most recognised symbols of the city is the Puente de Piedra or Stone Bridge, which crosses the River Ebro from the Old Town and dates back to 1884. It is also called Puente de San Juan de Ortega , in reference to the chapel that existed on its left bank It is […]

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Location: Puente de Piedra, Logroño, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.1km

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Visiting Puente de Piedra

Explore Logroño yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Iglesia de San Bartolomé

The Church of San Bartolomé, constructed in the 12th century, is the oldest church in Logroño. It has an impressive façade, covered in intricate stone carvings; with the scenes of the porch consist in 19 vignettes. Its most remarkable feature is its bell tower, built as part of the old city wall and used for […]

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Location: Church of San Bartolomé, Plaza de San Bartolomé, 2, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain, | Distance: 1.2km

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Visiting Iglesia de San Bartolomé

Casa de las Ciencias Logroño

The Casa de las Ciencias or House of Sciences makes its home in  the old Municipal Slaughterhouse of the city, which is now a striking red and white building next to the River Ebro. Although situated across the river but still close to the city’s centre located between the iron bridge and the stone bridge. […]

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Location: Calle del Ebro, 1, 26009 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain | Hours: Winter hours: Tuesday to Friday: from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. Every Monday and January 1 and 6 and December 25: closed.Summer Hours: (July and August) From Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Every Monday: closed. | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Casa de las Ciencias Logroño

Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda

The Cathedral of Santa Maria de la Redonda is a co-cathedral located in Logroño, in La Rioja, Spain. Construction on the cathedral began in the 15th century; however, its completion didn’t come until the 18th century. The church has two elaborately decorated towers, each containing a set of bells, nicknamed ‘the twins’, which are Baroque […]

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Location: Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda, Calle Portales, 14, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Catedral de Santa María de la Redonda

Puente de Hierro, Logroño

The Puente de Hierro  or Iron Bridge was built in 1882 and is the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Ebro River as it passes through the Rioja capital.  It substantially improved Logroño’s commercial connections with northern Spain. The initiative for its construction must be attributed to Práxedes Mateo Sagasta. The design was the work of […]

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Location: Puente de Hierro 26001 Logroño La Rioja Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.4km

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Visiting Puente de Hierro, Logroño

Old Logroño City Hall (Plaza del Mercado)

Old City Hall in Logroño is next to Cathedral Santa Maria de la Redonda and Portales street. A beautiful square that you can’t skip. It’s also a few steps of Laurel street and surrondings if you want to go for wine or beer. The old City Hall was located in Plaza del Mercado. In the […]

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Visiting Old Logroño City Hall (Plaza del Mercado)

Parque del Espolón

The lovely gardens of the Paseo del Espolón, also known as the Paseo del Príncipe de Vergara lie in the city’s Old Town. It is named Paseo del Espolón because of its resemblance to the celebrated walk within Burgos. It has historical monuments such as the Monument to General Espartero (who lived in Logroño until his death […]

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Location: Parque del Espolón, Calle Miguel Villanueva, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.4km

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Visiting Parque del Espolón

Pintxos at Calle Laurel

Pinchos bar hopping is one of the best things you can do in Logroño. Many of the bars in Logroño specialise in one particular product such as mushrooms, served lightly grilled and dripping with garlic butter.   Calle San Juan  and Calle del Laurel, known as “the path of the elephants,” are typical streets where various […]

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Location: Calle del Laurel, Logroño, Spain | Distance: 1.6km

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Visiting Pintxos at Calle Laurel

Museo de la Rioja

The Museo de la Rioja sits the 18th century Palacio de Espartero. The museum is divided into various sections, displays multiple historical objects from pre-history to pre-Roman eras, through to Roman times, the Middle Ages and finally the modern day. Artefacts include the old tablets from the famous San Millán monasteries, ancient arrowheads, and collections […]

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Location: Museo de La Rioja Calle San Agustín, 23 26001 Logroño La Rioja Spain | Hours: Sun: 10am - 2pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm (closed on Mon) | Website | Distance: 1.6km

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Visiting Museo de la Rioja

Fabrica de Tabacos, Logroño

The building that houses the Parliament of La Rioja has a historic past.  A former convent of La Merced (14th century), in 1820 it was transformed into a barracks and in 1845 it became a military hospital, warehouse and artillery park. It was also used as a prison for a time. It regained its religious […]

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| Hours: Parliament of La Rioja C. Marqués de San Nicolás, 111 26001 Logroño La Rioja Spain | Distance: 1.7km

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Visiting Fabrica de Tabacos, Logroño

Muralla del Revellín

The walls of Revellín are the remains of the fortifications that the city of Logroño had, of which the west-facing door has been preserved. The most important fortification process in the city took place between 1498 and 1540 , reinforcing the old medieval wall. After the commune uprising , the troops of Francisco I of […]

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Visiting Muralla del Revellín

Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta

La Rioja is famous for its wine and while most of the wineries lie in the countryside, Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta sits just on the edge of the city of Logroño. Marqués de Murrieta, brought winemaking techniques from Bordeaux to La Rioja, and founded the winery. He first produced wine here in 1852. You can […]

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Location: Bodega Marqués de Murrieta, Logroño, Spain | Website | Distance: 4.2km

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Visiting Bodegas Marqués de Murrieta