Free walking tours in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and what to see

Must-sees

Santo Domingo de la Calzada grew up in the 11th century around the saint it is named after, who built a bridge and a hospital for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Its cathedral is the main visit. Inside is the Gothic henhouse where a white hen and rooster live, in memory of the miracle of the hanged pilgrim. Opposite the church stands its free-standing tower, which you can climb.

The historic centre is easily explored on foot along Calle Mayor, where the Camino passes. It keeps stretches of wall, houses with coats of arms and the Plaza de España with the town hall. The old pilgrims' hospital is now a parador. The convent of San Francisco is also worth a visit. You will feel the pilgrim atmosphere all year round.

Free tours and guided visits

Free walking tours are rare here. The usual approach is to visit the cathedral with an audio guide or guide, explaining the henhouse, the saint's tomb and the altarpiece, and round it off with a guided route around the historic centre and the Camino. The most recommended trips head to the monasteries of Suso and Yuso, in San Millán de la Cogolla, World Heritage Sites, to Ezcaray and the sierra, or to the Haro wineries.

How long to spend

About four hours are enough for the cathedral, the tower and the historic centre, without rushing. With a full day you can add the San Millán monasteries in the afternoon. If wine and mountains interest you, stay two days: one for Haro and its wineries and another for Ezcaray. If you are walking the Camino, the town makes a good end to a stage.

Where to stay

The best choice is to stay in the historic centre, by Calle Mayor and the cathedral. You will have everything on foot and enjoy the pilgrim atmosphere in the late afternoon. Both paradores are in historic buildings in this area. If you want more peace or prefer to tour La Rioja Alta by car, there are rural houses in the surrounding villages.