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The Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada occupies a former 12th century hospital built to serve the pilgrims on the Road To Santiago. The first known pilgrim, the French Bishop of Le Puy, stopped in this city on his traverse of what was later to become know as the Way of St. James.
Both the city of Santo Domingo, and the Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada have been inextricably bound up in the history of this famous pilgrimage route - the Road to Santiago. The founder of this city, a priest named Domingo, was instrumental in establishing the route to Santiago. He was given money with which to purchase lands through which the route ran, and he built bridges over impassable rivers along the way. He also built, in the 11 century, a hospice for pilgrims - on which site the later hospital (now the Parador) was eventually built.
The Parador Santo Domingo is in the heart of the compact old quarter, in an area steeped in history. Directly adjacent to the Parador Santo Domingo is the cathedral with its wonderful bell tower. The Albergue del Peregrinos and it Jacobean museum is also right next to the hotel.
The gastronomy of the region is renowned, and many travel here from afar expressly for that reason. As well as being in the heart one of the world's most famous wine regions - La Rioja - this fertile land along the Ebro river has hundreds of small farms and large vegetable gardens that yield, perhaps, the highest quality produce in Spain. These provide the raw ingredients for unforgettable dining experiences. A meal in the Parador restaurant should not be missed!
Neither should the traveler miss the opportunity to visit a few of the Rioja wineries and vineyards. Sample some of Spain's most famous wines - see how it is made - visit the big (and small) Bodegas and maybe a wine museum or two - learn the history and workings of the craft - all this will make your visit a memorable one indeed.
Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada:
- The old quarter of the city is right outside your bedroom window, and makes for very interesting rambling.
Interesting day trips from the Santo Domingo De La Calzada Parador include:
This city is perfectly situated to serve as a base for day trips into the Rioja wine district and points further afield.
- Logroño and Haro - these are the two wine centers of the Rioja area where many of the well-known Bodegas have their outlets (especially in the Barrio de la Estacion near the train station in Haro).
- La Guardia is a fascinating hilltop village whose inhabitants have tunneled out miles of underground passages through the centuries - in which they age their beloved Rioja wine.
- Burgos and its awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral is well worth a visit - about 45 min drive.
- Bilbao and its Guggenheim museum are only about an hour and 45 minutes drive north (fast freeway from Haro).
Staying at the Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada is to stay in a place literally dripping with history (and the famous wines of La Rioja!). It is an experience not to be missed by any aficionado of Spain.
