Hornos de Moncalvillo: Nature, Routes and History

Hornos de Moncalvillo brings together several themes to help you plan a stay: nature, routes, local history and traditions. The recreation area next to the Ermita del Cristo, two named circular routes, the parish church and Campo Activo offer specific places to start. Whether you are most interested in the landscape, cycling routes, historic architecture or activities is up to you and your interests.

Recreation Area and Wildlife

The Hornos de Moncalvillo recreation area is next to the Ermita del Cristo. You can reach it by travelling through Hornos de Moncalvillo in the direction of Daroca de Rioja. The area is home to forests of Pyrenean and Portuguese oaks, as well as holm oak groves and heathland scrub. Wildlife in the area includes badgers, wild boar, short-toed snake eagles, green woodpeckers and European tree frogs. Alongside the various types of woodland, several specific animal species are part of this natural environment.

Routes around Hornos de Moncalvillo

The Centro BTT Moncalvillo trail network covers 250 kilometres and passes through ten municipalities in La Rioja: Daroca de Rioja, Entrena, Fuenmayor, Hornos de Moncalvillo, Medrano, Navarrete, Sojuela, Sotés, Ventosa and Cenicero. The 250 kilometres refer to the trail network as a whole, not to a single ride. The circular Ruta dos dehesas connects Navarrete, Hornos de Moncalvillo and Sotés with the Dehesas of Hornos and Sotés. It branches off near the Ermita del Cristo and climbs continuously to the summit through oak and pine forests. Take the continuous climb into account when planning your ride, and check the operator's information before cycling.

The Dehesa del Prado circular route connects Navarrete with the Dehesa de Hornos and passes by the cemetery on its way to Hornos de Moncalvillo. The routes can therefore be distinguished by their described courses: the continuous climb to the summit is a defining feature of the Ruta dos dehesas, while the Dehesa del Prado leads into the village via the cemetery.

Church and Local Traditions

The parish church Iglesia de la Asunción, also known as Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. Its masonry combines dressed stone and brick. Historic windows were restored during the renovation of the façade. The earliest references to Hornos de Moncalvillo date from the 11th century, well before the church was built.

The local San Cristóbal festival takes place on the first Saturday in September. A pilgrimage to the Ermita del Cristo is also held in September. San Cristóbal therefore has a specific day of the month, while the pilgrimage is also tied to September. This distinction can help with planning if you would like to time your trip around either tradition.

Campo Activo

Campo Activo is a multi-adventure activity centre in Hornos de Moncalvillo. It has twelve courses of varying difficulty and more than 30 ziplines. The Zona Free Games area offers more than 20 free activities for children aged three and over. Facilities also include parking and a picnic area. Check these visitor services before your arrival.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Grañón, Grávalos, Pradillo, Sajazarra, El Horcajo, Valgañón, Ventosa, San Millán De La Cogolla

For the main travel overview: La Rioja.