How to visit the Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral (Rioja); opening hours, prices

One of the attractions of a trip to La Rioja es visit the cathedral found in Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town that is one of the most significant stages of the the Camino de Santiago in this community.

For this reason we included this visit in one of our most recent trips to this region of the north of Spain.

The truth is that the first thing they told us as soon as we arrived Santo Domingo de la Calzada is his famous legend of the hen that crowed after being roasted, which I didn't know.

To understand its great link with the historic Compostela route, it is important to know what the origins of the current route are. Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town located between Haro y Ezcaray,

Curiosities of the history of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

These origins date back to the 11th century, when the Hermit Sunday He wanted to get away and help the pilgrims who were going to Compostela.

For this he founded a hermitage and a pilgrim hostel.

It was upon his death in 1158 that a large temple began to be built to preserve the remains of who would later be known as Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

Although now your old town It barely keeps historical buildings in good condition, when you get to Santo Domingo de la Calzada Until you reach the cathedral building you will walk through its main Street, which is the route followed by pilgrims, some of whom you will surely meet.

The best exterior view of the cathedral is from the back, specifically from the adjacent part. Spain Square, in which the town hall is located.

It will catch your attention to see that the Bell tower It is a tower external to the main building.

That is, the cathedral tower It was built in 1769 in front of the aforementioned building, in the Saint's Square, in search of a firm ground with greater consistency that could support the weight of such a tall tower.

What to see when visiting the Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral

But it will be inside where you will really see the majesty and artistic richness of this cathedral, which was restored not long ago.

With a characteristic interior of a church of pilgrimage, with three naves and a transept, originally the current cathedral was a building of style late Romanesque, which you can see in the header.

Indeed, after the last restoration, when moving the main altarpiece, several historic Romanesque columns were discovered, so it was decided to maintain the original Romanesque chevet by moving the altarpiece to a side chapel.

In these columns you will see representations of the Holy Trinity or of king david musician.

During your visit you will see that said altarpiece is a great artistic work in the Renaissance style of Damien Forment.

You will also see the choir, made in 1520 in Plateresque style, and the tomb of Santo Domingo, a very prominent element in the south transept.

The aforementioned tomb presents a mixture of several styles by using pieces from different tombs, since it was made in various phases starting in the first quarter of the 13th century.

What is the legend of the rooster and the hen of Santo Domingo de la Calzada?

Of course, the cathedral could not miss a representation of the famous legend of the rooster and the hen.

And what is this legend? According to tradition, the following occurred:

A German pilgrim couple and their 18-year-old son, named Hugonell, stayed at an inn in Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

The innkeeper's daughter fell in love with the young man, but when her love was not reciprocated, she decided to take revenge. She hid a silver cup in the innkeeper's luggage. Hugoneland accused him of theft.

The young man was tried, convicted and hanged for the alleged crime and when his parents went to see the body, they surprisingly found him alive.. Hugonell He told them that Saint Dominic of the Calzada had miraculously kept him alive..

The parents went to tell the Mayor what had happened. The latter, incredulous, replied that the young man was as alive as the rooster and the hen he was about to eat..

At that moment, the roasted birds came to life, filled with feathers and began to sing, attesting to the miracle..

This event gave rise to the famous popular saying: “Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where the chicken sang after being roasted”.

Now on the visit to the cathedral you will be able to see a gothic chicken coop Built in the 15th century with polychrome stone, inside there is always a live rooster and hen, and don't be surprised if you hear them singing during your visit.

Schedules and ticket prices for Santo Domingo Cathedral

Los Visiting hours of the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada They are, from April to October, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 20,30:9 p.m.; Saturdays, from 19,10 a.m. to 9:12,20 p.m.; and on Sundays, from 13,45 a.m. to 19,10:XNUMX p.m., and from XNUMX:XNUMX p.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.

In winter, visiting hours are on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 14 p.m. and from 16 p.m. to 18,30:45 p.m. (last admission 10 minutes before closing), on Saturdays from 19 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 13 a.m. to XNUMX p.m.

Los ticket prices They are generally 9 euros (7 euros in winter); accredited pilgrims, 4 euros; and children under 8 years old, free.

Guided tours of the Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

To visit the cathedral you can sign up for a guided night tour of those that are organized.

El price of the guided night tour of the cathedral is 13 euros (10 euros in winter).

Here you have all the Guided tour information., where you can also make enquiries and sign up, and you can also make enquiries by calling +34 941 340 033 and by emailing entradas@catedralsantodomingo.org.

Photos Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral

Here you have more photos of the cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada en La Rioja.