The Religious Importance Of San Millán De La Cogolla

For spiritual and religious people around the world, especially Catholics, San Millán de la Cogolla has a tremendous importance. The monastic tradition is indeed very evident here, this is where in the 6th century, San Millan sought spiritual refuge from a hermitage carved into the rock. Thus this place is an ideal spot for travelers who want to find spiritual solace.

The importance of San Millán de la Cogolla as the cradle of the Castilian was strengthened in the 13th century, thanks to Gonzalo de Berceo, medieval writer and poet who lived and was educated here. His compositions allowed Castilian to rise to the category of literary language. In the streets of San Millán de la Cogolla, visitors can admire the houses with traditional architecture of Rioja and other interesting buildings such as the hermitage of Santa Potamia (18th century) and the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (18th century) located in the village of Lugar del Río.

The food and surroundings:

Not only does this place give you spiritual calmness, it also has the best of food to cater to your appetite. The cuisine of La Rioja is based primarily on crops grown on its fertile plains. Included among regional specialties are the menestra greens (mixed vegetables), the patatas a la riojana (recipe potato), the lamb chops with stuffed peppers and wine. The wines of Rioja, in AOC, enjoy great prestige.

San Millán de la Cogolla is a few kilometers of the Way of Saint Jacques de Compostela in the territory of La Rioja. Leaving Logroño, we are on the Camino Frances (the French way) that passes by Navarrete and Nájera, a city where you can admire the monastery of Santa María la Real. Santo Domingo de la Calzada is the last major step of the Way in the province of La Rioja. You can admire its ramparts, Roman road and the Cathedral of San Salvador.

Throughout the Way of Saint Jacques de Compostela, in its passage through the province of La Rioja, stand many religious buildings. La Ruta de los Monasterios allows us to contemplate: This route passes by San Millán de la Cogolla and also by Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Ezcaray, Bañares and Cañas. Suso and Yuso are part of the Ruta de la Lengua Castellana, a road that runs through the cities that played a role in the history and spread of Castilian letters: Santo Domingo de Silos, Valladolid, Salamanca, Avila and Alcala de Henares.