Discover Lodosa: the Ebro, architecture and traditions

In Lodosa, by the Ebro, nature, architectural history and recurring festivals come together. The protected Álamos de Lodosa and paths along the river sit alongside historic buildings and façades in the town’s streets. Local customs and Pimiento del Piquillo de Lodosa, with its protected designation of origin, are part of the picture too. This means you can get to know Lodosa through architecture, nature or traditions, depending on your interests.

Architectural history and local culture

The Iglesia de San Miguel was built in the 16th century; several phases of construction continued until the beginning of the 18th century. The Torre de los Velasco is another striking historical landmark: traditionally called the Torre de Sartaguda and popularly known as the Torre de Rada, it is protected as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Examples of civil architecture with distinctive coats of arms on their façades can be found on Calle Mayor and Calle Ancha. These forms are attributed to the Baroque and Rococo styles of the 17th and 18th centuries. The Puente de los Moros, also called the Acueducto Alcanadre-Lodosa, offers another link to the past. Its formal features date it to the 2nd century.

At one of the Cuevas de Lodosa, you can learn about the town’s past and its people; check local visiting arrangements in advance. The San Blas tradition includes Roscos and Rosquillas de San Blas, which continue to be blessed.

Poplars, riverside scenery and trails

The Álamos de Lodosa consist of nineteen white poplars (Populus alba) and have been protected as a natural monument since 1991. Their centuries-old hollow trunks and nest boxes are home to one of the largest colonies of soprano pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) on the Iberian Peninsula. From the town centre, you can reach the trees on foot in just a few minutes via El Ferial Park and the Ebro riverside. The Álamos are easy to reach; local conditions may change.

Ruta 29 is a 7.2-kilometre circular route for walking and cycling. It starts at Lodosa’s municipal swimming pools, first heads to the Ebro and the Camino Natural del Ebro, follows the river, reaches the Álamos and then passes the Ermita de San Emeterio y San Celedonio. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.

A different kind of route is Stage 18.1 of the Camino Natural del Ebro between Alcanadre and San Adrián: it follows the Ebro and passes by Lodosa. This lets you distinguish between a described circular route starting in Lodosa and a stage with two stated endpoints. The Romería de San Gregorio brings a day outdoors together with the poplar landscape on the banks of the Ebro.

Festivals and local traditions

The Jornada de Exaltación del Pimiento del Piquillo takes place in Lodosa every first weekend in October. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the calendar for the relevant edition in advance. Pimiento del Piquillo de Lodosa has the protected designation of origin Denominación de Origen «Pimiento del Piquillo de Lodosa».

Highlights of the patron saint festivities include a craft fair and traditional concerts by the town band at Paseo de España; the specific programme may vary. During the festivities in honour of the Virgen de las Angustias, the Toro Ensogado makes its way through Lodosa: several young men hold the 500-kilogram bull on a rope. Check the current programme before travelling for this event.

Discover more destinations: Torres Del Río, Azkarate, Telleria, Olite, Villamayor, Ollo, Lerate, Villafranca.

For the broader travel overview: Navarra.