Treviana – Romanesque Churches and Wine Cellars

For a trip to Treviana, you can focus on Romanesque architecture, routes through the countryside or the local wine tradition. The historic sites and activities offer different ways to shape your stay around your interests.

Romanesque architecture and special details

The Iglesia de Santa María La Mayor houses an organ dating from 1836. The church also preserves a Hispano-Flemish panel from the late 15th century depicting Christ as the Man of Sorrows. The organ and panel each offer a different perspective on the church’s history: one is a 19th-century instrument, the other a work of art from around 1500.

The Capilla de la Concepción, also known as the Capilla de San Pedro, is in the San Pedro area on a slope beside the Ea River and within the cemetery grounds. Four depictions of harpies can be seen on the outside of the windows in its apse. Visitors can view the inside and outside of the Romanesque church, see how thick the walls are at a passageway, and look at the surviving teaching arch with its scaffolding structure. Work on the site is still ongoing.

Three kilometres from Treviana, the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de la Junquera stands beside the Ea River and the road towards Haro. Its construction history can be read in its different parts: the chancel belongs to the original 13th-century church, while the rest of the Latin-cross plan dates from the 17th century. A Gothic tower is attached to the north wall of the chancel.

Centro del Románico and cultural routes

The Centro del Románico offers several ways to explore Romanesque art and history. An audiovisual programme is shown in a screening room; the exhibition room features information panels and stone carvings. There is also space for educational workshops. A documentation room with an extensive library focuses on the Middle Ages in general and Romanesque art in particular.

The Centro del Románico is open on Sundays and public holidays from 12:00 to 14:00. For other times, please arrange an appointment in advance by phone or electronically. Check opening hours and appointment details before your visit. Treviana and its Centro del Románico are also the starting point for the Ruta del Románico en Rioja Alta.

Historical traces have also been preserved in the Santiago area: a section of a Roman road runs through it. It probably connected with the road over the Obarenes towards Briviesca. This proposed connection remains a possibility; what survives are the remains of the road’s route.

Landscape and routes

The valley of the Ea, also known as the Aguanal, shapes Treviana. The village lies on a south-facing slope, sheltered from the north wind. The landscape includes drainage divides and remnants of glacis surfaces covered in sandstone, divided by hills and elevated ground. Roe deer, partridges, hawks, badgers, foxes and wild boar, among other species, are seen in and around Treviana; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Local tracks and roads can be used for walking and cycling. Higher hills and slopes offer viewpoints over the landscape. La Solana runs along a western slope and provides views of the valleys; there are also several benches along the route. Purple and yellow irises bloom there in spring. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out.

The Camino del románico is an old route that was restored several years ago. It leads to the Ermita de la Virgen de Junquera and follows the valley of the Río Aguanal. It offers another way to explore the countryside on foot.

Wine tradition and events

The wine cellars in Treviana’s upper quarter were established in the 18th century; some are carved out of the rock. A donation recorded in 873 is considered the oldest surviving document attesting to the existence of winegrowing in La Rioja. Together, the cellars and this early written reference show two different aspects of the local wine tradition: its built heritage and its historical record.

Events have been held in Treviana since 2010, including medieval markets with historical stalls, concerts, talks by researchers and historical reenactments. The format may vary from year to year. A musical procession through several wine cellars built into the slopes is part of the programme on the first weekend in August; wine and pintxos tastings are held at each stop. Dates and programme may change.

Getting there

A bus route connects Haro and Treviana from Monday to Friday. Check the timetable and service status before travelling to ensure your plans match the current service.

Discover more destinations: Aldeanueva de Cameros, Ezcaray, Castañares De Rioja, Santo Domingo De La Calzada, San Asensio, San Román De Cameros, Nájera, Ojacastro.

Go to the main travel overview: La Rioja.