How to visit Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral (Rioja); schedules, 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 northern 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 that the origins of the current Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a town located between Haro y Ezcaray, 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 Damian 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.

Of course, the cathedral could not miss a representation of the famous legend of the chicken.

Specifically, you will be able to see a gothic chicken coop built in the 15th century with polychrome stone, inside which there is always a live rooster and hen.

Don't be surprised if you hear them singing during your visit.

Schedules and ticket prices for Santo Domingo Cathedral

The 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 the visit is, on weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 14 p.m. and from 16 to 18 p.m. (last access, 45 minutes before closing), on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 19,20:10 p.m., and on Sundays, from 12,30 a.m. to 16:19 p.m. and from XNUMX to XNUMX p.m.

The ticket prices They are, generally, 7 euros; reduced price for retirees, seniors +65, children from 8 to 18 years old and accredited pilgrims, 5 euros; and children under 8 years old, free.

Guided tours of Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral

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

To do this you must sign up by calling 941 34 00 33 or through the email contacto.catedralsantodomingo@gmail.com.

El guided tour price from the cathedral is 8 euros, and the guided night tours, 15 euros.

Photos Santo Domingo de la Calzada Cathedral

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