Santo Domingo de la Calzada stands beside the banks of the Oja River on a vast plain. The town's founding is linked to the branch of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela known as the French Route. Legend has it that in the 11th century, this location was a large holm oak forest on the banks of a tumultuous river that descended from the nearby mountains, now known as the Sierra de la Demanda. A hermit named Domingo took up residence in the heart of the forest, dedicating all his energy to making it easier for pilgrims traveling to Compostela to cross this difficult terrain.
Today you can enjoy the town by visiting sights such as the cathedral or Plaza de España (Spain Square) and savoring La Rioja's delicious cuisine.
This beautiful Parador is located in the Monastery of San Francisco, 800 meters from the historic town center of Santo Domingo de la Calzada. The building is divided three sections: church, workshop/museum and guest house, with the hotel being located in the last of these. The décor features predominantly contrasting elements, with red tones and blue-grays in the guest rooms, oil paintings with religious themes and works by modern graphic artists. Because of its location on the Way of St. James, the Parador is the ideal spot for rural tourism. Visitors can also enjoy sports such as golf or hiking and the Valdezcaray ski resort.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada is 46 km from Logroño and 68 km from Burgos on the N-120. It is 18 km from Haro, connecting from the A-68 (Zaragoza-Bilbao/Bilbo).