Sotés: History, Festivals and Landscape

Sotés brings together architectural history and traditional festivals with a landscape at the foot of the Sierra de Moncalvillo. Different priorities may shape your trip planning: the parish church of San Martín and other historic buildings, regional traditions, or a hike towards Monte del Horcajo. If you are looking for a hotel in Sotés, it helps to consider first whether your travel dates are better suited to a festival or to a planned hike.

Architectural History and Traces of the Past

The parish church of San Martín dates back to a late Gothic building from the early 16th century. Its striking portal depicts Saint Martin of Tours on horseback. The church also houses a 14th-century image of the Virgin Mary, a Rococo altarpiece and 18th-century frescoes. A work of Spanish Rococo art was created in 1678 with the involvement of Alejo de San Juan and Francisco de la Cueva.

The Palacete de los Alesón also preserves older architectural features: the restored manor house dates from the 17th century and retains, among other things, the coat of arms of the noble family. The coat of arms of the Marqués de Castellflorite is preserved in the Casa de los Dulce. These buildings offer different points of interest, from religious art to the coats of arms of noble families.

The history of Sotés extends beyond its surviving buildings. Archaeological finds include flint tools and Roman roof tiles; traces of settlement can be traced back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Sotés was first mentioned in 1068 in a deed of exchange involving King Sancho de Peñalén and the Monastery of Irache. For several centuries, the village belonged to the Villa of Navarrete. In 1747, Sotés gained its independence and was thereafter referred to as a villa rather than a village.

Landscape and Trails Around Sotés

Sotés lies at the foot of the Sierra de Moncalvillo, where its north-facing slopes begin. Woodland begins a few hundred metres from the village centre and rises to the south. There, heathland alternates with stands of pine, oak and beech. The Camino de Santiago also crosses the municipality from east to west.

The Marcha Moncalvillo y Santa Coloma route leads from Sotés to Monte del Horcajo, continues to the access road to Moncalvillo, then descends through oak and beech forests to Santa Coloma. It returns to Sotés via Cuyavalla. The route is approximately 24.6 kilometres long. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

The Fuente El Colegial recreation area is located at the Barranco de las Alías, beside a disused bend on the old road from Sotés to Hornos de Moncalvillo. Species found there include the genet, fox, Eurasian jay, blackcap and common toad.

Regional Cuisine, Wine and Honey

Local food culture includes recipes passed down through generations, with a distinctive Sotés touch. These include rosquillas, bollos with chinchorras and migas. Anyone interested in regional cuisine will find specific dishes here that reflect the village’s traditions.

Viticulture is the main agricultural activity in Sotés. Tempranillo is the most widely grown grape variety; a cooperative winery processes a large share of the harvest into wine under the Rioja designation of origin. There are also several honey producers. The honey characteristic of the area is associated with its wooded surroundings.

Festivals and When to Visit

San Isidro Labrador is celebrated on 15 May with a Mass and procession. Ears of wheat or barley, broad beans and flowers symbolise the first produce of the fields. The patron saint festival of San Juan Bautista begins on 24 June and lasts three days, with religious events, entertainment for all ages, traditional dance events and public tastings.

Other recurring customs shape the festival calendar: On Maundy Thursday, a procession featuring the Nazarene, the Dolorosa and the Crucifix passes through Sotés; two choirs accompany it with romances by Lope de Vega. On Easter Sunday, Judas is traditionally burned after Mass. Beforehand, the village community puts a straw effigy on trial and reads out the verdict. San Martín is celebrated on 11 November with three days of festivities and a programme similar to that of San Juan.

For your planning, it is especially useful to compare festival dates with the hike: attending a festival depends on a specific date, while the route, at around 24.6 kilometres, requires its own time slot. Festival dates and programmes can change, so check them before travelling. This makes it easier to choose Sotés according to the purpose of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Munilla, Daroca De Rioja, Ezcaray, Alcanadre, Viniegra de Abajo, Torremontalbo, Berceo, Santo Domingo De La Calzada.

For the main travel overview: La Rioja.