Valvanera Monastery

Monasterio de Valvanera

A remote mountain monastery home to the patron saint of La Rioja, set amid forested hills and offering tranquil surroundings. It is a spiritual and scenic destination away from the busier wine towns.

Things to do

• Visit the Basilica of Valvanera — See the 12th-century Romanesque wooden statue of the Virgen de Valvanera, patron saint of La Rioja, housed above the main altar.
• Explore the Monastery Museum — Browse a small collection of religious art, manuscripts and historical items related to the Benedictine community's centuries-long presence here.
• Attend Gregorian chant vespers — Join the resident monks for evening prayer sung in traditional Gregorian chant inside the basilica.
• Hike into the Sierra de la Demanda — Follow marked forest trails from the monastery into beech and pine woodland with views over the surrounding peaks.
• Stop at the Valvanera viewpoint — Take in a sweeping panorama of the wooded valley from a lookout point on the approach road to the monastery.
• Walk to Anguiano village — Descend the winding mountain road to the village of Anguiano, famed for its daredevil stilt dancers (los danzadores) during summer festivals.

Food to try

• Monastery-made liqueurs — Try herbal or fruit liqueurs produced by the monks, sold in the small monastery shop as a traditional monastic craft.
• Local honey and preserves — Pick up jars of mountain honey and fruit preserves made in the surrounding Sierra de la Demanda villages.
• Patatas a la riojana — Warm up after a hike with this hearty potato and chorizo stew typical of inland La Rioja.
• Chuletillas al sarmiento — Seek out lamb chops grilled over vine cuttings, a rustic specialty served in nearby village restaurants.
• Queso de Anguiano — Sample farmhouse cheeses from the nearby valley, often paired with local bread and walnuts.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress and behave respectfully — As an active Benedictine monastery, visitors should dress modestly and keep quiet, especially near the basilica and during services.
• Check mass and visiting hours — The basilica and museum have limited opening times built around the monks' daily prayer schedule, so confirm hours before arriving.
• Consider an overnight retreat — The monastery's hospedería offers simple guest rooms for those wanting a quiet spiritual stay away from La Rioja's wine towns.
• Come prepared for mountain weather — The site sits at altitude in a forested valley, so bring warm layers even in summer as temperatures can drop quickly.