At Yacimiento de las Navillas, 305 dinosaur footprints form 131 trackways made by carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs. Medieval frescoes in the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Virgen del Monte offer a very different perspective on Cervera Del Río Alhama. When planning a stay, you can treat cultural sites and trails as separate priorities and schedule your visits accordingly.
Churches, castle ruins and historic buildings
The remains of Castillo medieval y peña del castillo date from the 13th and 14th centuries. Iglesia de San Gil was built in 1123 by order of Alfonso I el Batallador. In Iglesia de Santa Ana, the main altarpiece and the choir loft organ are considered works of art. These buildings take you through different eras; the frescoes in the Basílica add medieval art and can be visited today. Check the opening arrangements before your visit.
The Nevera de San Miguel in the San Miguel district is a remarkable example of traditional infrastructure. Built in the 16th century in the Mudéjar style, it was used to collect and store snow in winter. Along with the churches and castle ruins, it broadens the picture beyond religious architecture: the former use of snow for storage is also part of the town’s history.
Yacimiento de las Navillas was designated a Bien de Interés Cultural in the “Historic Site” category on June 23, 2000. The numbers add another dimension to the site: 305 footprints form 131 trackways attributed to carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs. This allows visitors to understand the site both as a protected historic site and through its specific paleontological finds.
Hiking trails along the Río Alhama
The Camino Verde del Alhama is about 12 kilometres long and runs parallel to the banks of the Río Alhama. Its surface is suitable for walkers and bicycles. The route passes between cliffs where numerous vultures nest and by ethnographic and archaeological attractions such as Yacimiento de Contrebia Leukade. Pozo Verde is a waterfall on the Río Alhama, reached by following the Camino Verde from Cervera towards Aguilar. Check trail conditions before setting out.
The GR-93 also offers routes of different lengths: one section runs 24 kilometres from Cervera towards Cornago, and another runs 12 kilometres towards Valverde. The route to Valverde passes between vineyards and almond trees. Stage 11, “Cervera del Río Alhama-Valverde,” is listed as 11.66 kilometres and three hours. These two figures distinguish the shorter route towards Valverde from the longer route to Cornago; check current trail conditions in advance.
The entire municipal area lies within the Biosphere Reserve of the Leza, Jubera, Cidacos and Alhama valleys, internationally recognised by UNESCO. In the Valle del Alhama, there is also a stargazing site in Cervera near the Ermita de la Soledad. Check local access arrangements if you plan to visit.
Crafts, music and festive days
As early as the 19th century, espadrilles from Cervera crossed regional and international borders. Museo de la Alpargata is a museum of ethnography and anthropology. It is open to the public, but access is restricted; group visits require advance registration. Check the current arrangements before your visit.
La Gaita refers both to Cervera’s traditional dance and to the music played by dulzaineros to accompany it. The annual patron-saint festivities take place from July 24 to 28 and from August 29 to September 3. July 26 is dedicated to Santa Ana, the patron saint, and September 1 to San Gil. Garrapiteo is an enogastronomic and cultural festival held on the last weekend of September in Plaza de San Gil and Barranco Tollo. Check the programmes and dates for your intended year of travel.
Discover more destinations: Villarroya, Treviana, Azarrulla, Lumbreras, Peciña, Zorraquín, Sojuela, Galilea.
For the main travel overview: La Rioja.
