Peciña lies at an altitude of 700 m at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria. Narrow streets and stone houses define the village; peace and nature are also part of its character. To get your bearings, it is worth considering the area’s different points of reference: the present-day settlement, the Romanesque church of Santa María de la Piscina and the archaeological remains.

From the Former Settlement to the Present-Day Village

Peciña was originally established at the site of the Romanesque church of Santa María de la Piscina. After the Battle of Nájera, the inhabitants of the settlement there moved to the present-day site of Peciña. In the 14th century, Peciña was devastated by the troops of Enrique de Trastámara. Today, Santa María de la Piscina is one kilometre from Peciña. The former settlement and the present-day village are thus part of a connected local history; the move can be understood by looking at the two separate sites.

Romanesque Architecture and Necropolis

Santa María de la Piscina stands on a small hill with views over the Ebro Valley. The hermitage is considered the most complete and finest surviving Romanesque building in La Rioja. The archaeological complex also includes a necropolis dating from the period of repopulation. Romanesque architecture and traces of an earlier settlement thus meet at this site. The views over the valley add a landscape dimension to these historical remains.

San Martín and the Dólmenes y Ermitas Route

In present-day Peciña, the parish church of San Martín stands in the highest part of the village. Its entrance is reached by a staircase. The Dólmenes y Ermitas route also passes through Peciña and includes a visit to the church. The section through Peciña also offers panoramic views. As well as a visit to the church, the route therefore provides views of the landscape surrounding the village.

Traces of Winemaking and Earlier Burials

The Zabala complex is considered a former winery for producing white and rosé wines. At least ten wine presses carved into the rock can be seen there. These presses provide tangible archaeological evidence of the site’s former function. The Dolmen de la Cascaja offers a different glimpse into the past: this passage tomb lies 500 m from Peciña. Together, the two sites represent different historical remains, from winemaking to a prehistoric burial site.

Getting There and Practical Information

By car, you can reach Peciña by taking a turnoff from the N232A onto the LR424. Road conditions can change; check them before setting off. Both the Zabala complex and the Dolmen de la Cascaja can be reached from the LR424 via unpaved country tracks. For the dolmen, it is recommended that you leave your vehicle in the car park by the Basilica of Santa María de la Piscina and continue on foot. Check road and parking conditions before your visit, as they can change.

Peciña’s old washhouse is also worth a visit. Check its condition and access on site beforehand. This will help you distinguish between the different destinations and their character: San Martín is in the highest part of the village, Santa María de la Piscina stands on a hill overlooking the Ebro Valley, and Zabala and the dolmen preserve traces of earlier use and history.

Discover more destinations: Zaldierna, Anguiano, Nalda, San Román De Cameros, Huércanos, Villamediana de Iregua, Villarejo, Castroviejo.

For the main travel overview: La Rioja.