Calahorra

Calahorra, a city in Spain's La Rioja region, rests on a promontory where the Cidacos River joins the Ebro. This ancient settlement, known as 'Calagurris' by its original Celtiberian inhabitants, later became 'Calagurris Nassica Iulia' under Roman rule. Today, it stands as the second-largest city in La Rioja, recognized for its agricultural bounty and deep historical roots.

The city carries the titles of 'Very Noble, Very Loyal and Loyal City,' and has been an episcopal headquarters since the 4th or 5th century. Calahorra is often called the 'City of Vegetables' due to the fertile Cidacos river valley, which yields high-quality produce. This agricultural heritage is celebrated through its cuisine and even its unique Vegetable Museum, the first of its kind in Spain.

## From Celtiberian Settlement to Roman Powerhouse Calahorra's story begins in the Paleolithic era, with a stable population established by the Iron Age. The Celtiberians were its initial inhabitants, who named it Calagurris. The Romans conquered the town in 187 BC, transforming it into a crucial administrative center for the surrounding regions.

During the 1st century BC, Calahorra gained notoriety for its fierce resistance. The city remained loyal to Quintus Sertorius during his civil war against Pompey, enduring a four-year siege from 76 to 72 BC. This prolonged siege was so severe that it reportedly led to cannibalism among the inhabitants before the city finally fell to Pompey's legate, Lucius Afranius. Despite this, Calahorra's strong reputation led Emperor Octavian Augustus to recruit his personal guard from its residents.

Under Roman rule, Calahorra, then known as Calagurris Nassica Iulia, flourished as a full-fledged municipality. It minted its own currency and developed extensive infrastructure, including a theatre, circus, forums, and thermal baths, the remains of which are still evident today. The city was also the birthplace of the renowned Roman rhetorician Quintilian, whose statue stands opposite the Town Hall.

## Medieval Transitions and Religious Significance Calahorra began its evangelization in the late 3rd century, becoming an Episcopal headquarters in the 4th century, a status it maintains today. The city's patron saints, Emeterius and Celedonius, were Roman soldiers martyred there around 305 AD. After periods of Moorish control in the 9th and 10th centuries, Calahorra was captured by the Christian King García Sánchez III of Pamplona in 1045.

During the Middle Ages, Calahorra also hosted one of Castile's oldest Jewish communities, dating back to 1145 AD. The city's strategic location along the Ebro Valley also made it an obligatory stop on the route linking Tarragona with Santiago, and it remains part of the Camino de Santiago del Ebro.

Begin your exploration in the Plaza del Raso, once a Roman forum and the enduring heart of ancient Calahorra. Nearby, you'll find the Cathedral of Santa María, a Gothic-style temple with a distinctive reddish facade and sixteen chapels. Inside, admire the main altarpiece, the chapel of Cristo de la Pelota, and the Baroque sacristy and Plateresque cloister, which house the Diocesan Museum's treasures, including paintings by Tiziano and Zurbarán.

Discover Calahorra's Roman legacy at the Yacimiento de la Clínica, where you can see the vestiges of a 1st-century Roman villa. The Municipal Museum (also known as the Museum of Romanization) exhibits approximately 11,000 archaeological pieces, including the famous bust of the 'Lady Calagurritana.' Wander through the old town's winding streets to find a Roman arch and the 16th-century Church of San Andrés.

For a different perspective, visit the Museo de la Verdura (Vegetable Museum), the first of its kind in Spain, celebrating Calahorra's agricultural identity. Enjoy wide views of the Ebro valley from the Viewpoint of Bellavista. If you're keen on outdoor activities, explore the Trails of Vegetables, offering five routes and almost 100 km of paths, or the Greenway of the Cidacos.

The most favorable weather in Calahorra typically occurs during April, May, June, September, and October, with pleasant temperatures ranging between 19°C and 27°C (66°F and 81°F). For warm-weather activities, late May to early October is ideal, with a peak in early September. July and August are the warmest months, with average daytime temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F). The city experiences a distinct dry season from July to August. Calahorra's patron saint fiestas in honor of San Emeterio and San Celedonio are celebrated in early March and from August 15th to 31st.

Calahorra is well-connected by road, situated in the Ebro valley and linked to cities like Logroño, Zaragoza, and Bilbao via national highway 232 and the A-68 motorway. Daily bus services connect Calahorra to Pamplona, Soria, and San Sebastián, and a train station is on the Bilbao-Zaragoza rail line. The nearest airports are Logroño Agoncillo (39 km) and Pamplona (57 km).

For accommodation, staying in the city center offers easy walking access to markets and the old town. The city hosts two weekly outdoor street markets, known for clothing, footwear, handicrafts, and local produce. These markets typically operate in the morning, and it's advisable to arrive early for the best selection. Most stalls operate cash-only.