Church art and winegrowing give Alesanco a strong cultural and historical identity, while the Camino de Santiago Francés and a mountain biking route add different ways to explore. Visitors can discover these themes individually: from the parish church’s architecture to a Marian procession and a designated cycling route.

Church Art and Local History

The parish church of Nuestra Señora Santa María de la Asunción dates from the first half of the 16th century and is influenced by the Gothic tradition. Its main altarpiece is Baroque; an inscription dates it to 1769. The church’s construction and furnishings thus reflect different historical periods: the church was built in the 16th century, while the inscription places the main altarpiece in a later year.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Prado, 1 km east of Alesanco, offers a different art-historical highlight. The chapel contains a small Neoclassical altarpiece with panel paintings and, at the head end, an image of the Virgen del Rosario from the late 16th century. The image and the altarpiece are two distinct features: the former is dated by its period of creation, while the latter is identified by its Neoclassical style.

The bust of the Marqués de la Ensenada is also part of the town’s history. The Diputación Riojana commissioned it for the 1929 Ibero-American Fair in Seville. Alesanco shares with Hervías the historically disputed claim to be the birthplace of Zenón de Somodevilla y Bengoechea, the Marqués de la Ensenada (1702–1781). Historians consider this attribution unresolved; the shared claim is therefore part of the town’s recorded history, not a confirmed birthplace.

The Camino, a Rest Stop and Nature

The Camino de Santiago Francés is designated as a green route and passes through Alesanco. The Las Ventas recreation area lies along the Camino and serves as a rest stop for pilgrims. The site includes a restored traditional Chozo-Guardaviñas, a historic vineyard hut. The route thus brings together a pilgrimage trail and a built reminder of the region’s winegrowing landscape.

The species listed as occurring in Las Ventas include the fox, Montagu’s harrier, calandra lark and Iberian rock lizard. This selection gives nature enthusiasts specific animals to look out for in the area, without reducing the site to a single theme.

A Designated Mountain Biking Route

The Ruta en BTT: Los Monasterios mountain biking route is 36 km long and has a cumulative elevation gain of 530 metres. It follows trails and paved roads and is rated moderate. Along its route, it reaches Alesanco on paved roads via Torrecilla sobre Alesanco. By comparison, the Camino Francés here is designated as a pilgrimage route. Those choosing between these two ways of travelling can use the mountain biking route’s specific distance and difficulty, or the pilgrimage trail, as a guide.

Wine and Recurring Traditions

Alesanco’s agricultural identity is based primarily on vineyards and wine production. Claretes are particularly valued in the area, alongside red and white wines. In addition to its churches and routes, wine is a defining feature of Alesanco.

A food competition is usually held during the festivities in honour of the Apostle James. Anyone who registers can take part, and the dish prepared is a tortilla. Since the competition is usually tied to these festivities, it is worth checking the dates for the relevant year when planning a trip around it.

Another annual event takes place on 13 September: during the procession in honour of the Virgen del Prado, the statue of the Virgin is carried from the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Prado to the church. Along with the religious buildings, this tradition brings the town’s religious heritage to life. For a trip centred on the procession, this date provides a specific point of reference.

Discover more destinations: Arenzana De Abajo, Lagunilla del Jubera, Aldeanueva De Ebro, Aldeanueva de Cameros, Bergasa, Santo Domingo De La Calzada, Calahorra, Fuenmayor.

For the broader travel overview: La Rioja.