Peciña: Romanesque Heritage, History and Dolmens

Peciña lies at an altitude of 700 m at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria. Its cultural heritage brings together Romanesque architecture, the history of the settlement and traces of earlier winemaking; a passage grave is also among the site’s archaeological features. If you are looking for a hotel in Peciña, you can use these highlights to see whether the destination suits your interests.

Location and Romanesque heritage

Narrow streets and stone houses shape the character of Peciña. The parish church of San Martín stands in the highest part of the village and is reached by an entrance staircase. Santa María de la Piscina is one kilometre from Peciña, on a small hill overlooking the Ebro Valley. This gives you two distinct landmarks: the church in the upper part of the village and the Romanesque complex with its views across the valley. Peace and nature are also part of Peciña’s character.

The hermitage of Santa María de la Piscina is considered the most complete and beautiful surviving Romanesque building in La Rioja. The archaeological complex also includes a necropolis dating from the period of repopulation. The architecture and necropolis stand side by side here, offering two distinct ways to explore the history of the place.

The history of the settlement

Peciña was originally established at the site of the Romanesque church of Santa María de la Piscina. After the Battle of Nájera, the population abandoned the settlement there and moved to the present-day site of Peciña. In the 14th century, Peciña was devastated by the troops of Enrique de Trastamara. The village’s history thus combines a change of settlement site with another significant turning point.

Archaeological traces and earlier winemaking

The Dolmen de la Cascaja is a passage grave, located 500 m from Peciña. It can be reached via an unpaved track from the LR424. As a guide, visitors are advised to leave their vehicle in the car park by the Basilica of Santa María de la Piscina and walk from there to the dolmen. Parking and the subsequent walk are therefore part of the recommended plan for this visit.

At the Zabala complex, you can see at least ten wine presses carved into the rock. The complex is considered a former winery for the production of white and rosé wines. It is therefore quite distinct from the passage grave of la Cascaja: here, the focus is on evidence of earlier winemaking. Zabala can also be reached via an unpaved track from the LR424. The old wash house in Peciña is also worth a visit; check its condition and access locally.

Route and getting there

The Dólmenes y Ermitas route leads to Peciña and includes a visit to the parish church of San Martín. You can also enjoy a panoramic view along the Peciña section. The route combines a specific church visit with a landscape experience, offering a different approach to planning than visiting individual archaeological sites.

Peciña is reached via a turn-off from the N232A onto the LR424. Road and parking conditions may change; check the latest situation before setting off, especially if you plan to use one of the unpaved tracks.

Discover more destinations: Abalos, Santo Domingo De La Calzada, Lardero, Briones, El Cortijo, Treviana, Castañares De Rioja, Haro.

For the broader travel overview: La Rioja.