Las Ruedas de Ocón combines an unusual cultural heritage with a mountainous landscape rich in woodland: the Barrio Bodegas is home to wine cellars dug into the earth, and trails lead towards the Sierra and along a stream. The Barrio Bodegas is open to visitors as cultural heritage. Local access rules may change, so check them before your visit. The church, washhouse and remains of a Roman aqueduct provide further points of cultural and historical interest in the village.
Church, Washhouse and Ancient Traces
The Church of Santa Bárbara is a Baroque building dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. The parish church is built of masonry and brick; its three-part nave ends in an oval apse. The main altar is a Neoclassical work from the early 17th century. The structure, floor plan and altar showcase different aspects of church architecture.
The former washhouse is integrated into the village centre. Its walls are made of masonry with rounded stones from the surrounding area, and wooden beams support the pitched roof. The washhouse was restored in 2012. The oldest houses in Las Ruedas de Ocón have also retained their traditional appearance. Roman remains of an aqueduct can be found in the Barranco de San Julián near Las Ruedas de Ocón.
Woodland Landscape and Trails
Las Ruedas de Ocón is considered one of the natural gateways to the Sierra La Hez. The village lies almost entirely within a forest and is surrounded by oaks, holm oaks and beech trees. A trail leads from Las Ruedas to the Barranco del Sol in the direction of the Sierra, following the stream that runs through the village.
A circular mountain hike passes through the forests, ravines and natural viewpoints of the Sierra de Ocón, as well as landscapes such as Cogote el Alto and the area around Las Ruedas. The two options have different focuses: the trail to the Barranco del Sol centres on the destination and the stream, while the circular hike highlights the mountain landscape and its varied terrain. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Local Produce and Festivities
Embutidos Luis Gil produces ham, pork loin, salchichón, chorizo, chorizos culares, cured pork belly, paleta, pâtés, butifarra and sobrasada. The company uses its own organic livestock, including its own free-range pigs, as well as fresh organic meat. The product range may change. This food-making tradition complements the area’s architecture and landscape with a direct insight into local produce.
The patron saint festivities in Las Ruedas de Ocón take place on the last weekend of July; the programme may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your stay around them, check the dates and programme in advance.
Plan Your Stay
Las Ruedas de Ocón has a designated motorhome parking area with nine spaces. Services may change, so check the details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Arrúbal, Entrena, Castañares De Rioja, El Cortijo, San Millán De la Cogolla, Huércanos, Sojuela, El Horcajo.
Back to the main travel overview: La Rioja.
