Arnedo, with about 15,000 inhabitants, is the second town of the Rioja Baja, in La Rioja, in the Cidacos valley. It is known as Spain's shoe capital: dozens of factories and shoe shops, from big brands to outlets, make it a shopping destination.
History
The name probably comes from the Latin arenetum, "sandy ground". Inhabited since prehistory, it was a Muslim and then Christian fortress, disputed between Navarre and Castile. The red sandstone hills around the town are riddled with artificial caves, dug over the centuries as homes, cellars, dovecotes and shelters.
What to see
- The castle, on the hill, of Muslim origin, with caves dug beneath the walls and views over the valley.
- The Gothic church of Santo Tomás.
- The Baroque church of San Cosme y San Damián, dedicated to the patron saints.
- The Cueva de los Cien Pilares, a large cave with columns carved from the rock, one of La Rioja's most striking places.
- The monastery of Nuestra Señora de Vico, a few kilometres away, among pines and cliffs.
- The Natural Science Museum and Plaza de España.
Festivals and food
The festivals of the patron saints San Cosme and San Damián, in late September, with bull runs, music and free wine. Typical dishes include patatas a la riojana with chorizo, pochas, stewed fresh beans, garden vegetables, lamb grilled over vine shoots and Rioja wines.
Around Arnedo
The Cidacos valley is rich in dinosaur footprints, visible at Enciso, with a palaeontology centre, and the villages of Préjano and Arnedillo, the latter with a spa and open-air hot pools by the river.
Getting there
Arnedo is about 50 km from Logroño and 15 km from Calahorra, with the nearest railway station. It is served by buses.