On the French Way, the route and church architecture come together in Torres del Río. The stage from Los Arcos to Logroño crosses the Linares via a bridge, then leads to Torres del Río and passes the Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro as it climbs. Church architecture is thus directly linked to the route described. Beyond Torres del Río, the French Way passes through vineyards, olive groves and almond groves before reaching the Cornava river valley. Those considering a trip with a cultural focus will find two distinct perspectives here: the town’s architectural history and the landscape along the Camino de Santiago.

Churches Between Architectural History and Art

The Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro was built in the 12th century. Its octagonal ground plan belongs to a building that served as a funerary chapel and a beacon on the Camino de Santiago. The octagonal elevation is divided into three levels by continuous cornices, with a smaller octagonal structure above. Its forms imitate the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The ground plan, articulated elevation and former function thus represent different aspects of the same architectural history.

Inside is an interwoven rib vault that recalls Hispano-Muslim art. The reference to Jerusalem concerns the architectural forms; the vault introduces a different art-historical connection. Those interested in architecture can consider these two motifs separately rather than combining them into a single description of the style.

The parish church of San Andrés broadens the perspective to include a later architectural and artistic context. It is a Gothic-Renaissance work by Juanes de Larrañaga, dating from around 1599 to 1629. Its main altarpiece was created by Pedro Jiménez Castrejana between 1637 and 1651. It retains its original polychromy, created by Andrés de Gauna. This makes it possible to distinguish the period when the church was built from the later work on the altarpiece; the original coloring also has its own artistic attribution.

Townscape and the Camino de Santiago

The town center lies on the slopes of a hill, giving it an irregular layout. Its steep, narrow streets are lined with Baroque mansions and decorated coats of arms. The terrain and the streetscape are connected here: the hillside location explains the irregular layout, while the houses and coats of arms add specific architectural details to the town. The streets thus complement the churches by offering another perspective on the townscape.

The Camino de Santiago climbs from the church to the upper part of Torres del Río and continues to the Ermita de la Virgen del Poyo. This adds a specific stretch through the town and a further destination to the perspective on the stage. The two details answer different orientation questions: the stage from Los Arcos to Logroño locates Torres del Río along the route, while the description of the route through the town specifies the climb and continuation to the Ermita.

For the drive from Pamplona, the road route follows the A-12 toward Logroño and then the NA-1110. Check current road conditions before setting out. This travel advice is distinct from the Camino de Santiago: it describes the roads from Pamplona, while the stage information places Torres del Río between Los Arcos and Logroño.

Discover more destinations: Gallipienzo Antiguo, Aizpún, Bakaiku, Cirauqui, Cabanillas, Ibero, Arbizu, Irurtzun.

For the regional travel overview: Navarra.