Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Church · Logroño, La Rioja
Iglesia de Santiago el Real
Church of the Camino on Rúa Vieja, built between 1513 and 1527, with the equestrian statue of São Tiago on the façade, the pilgrims' fountain and the juego da glória painted on the square.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Iglesia de Santiago el Real
The church of Santiago el Real stands on Rúa Vieja, the street where the Caminho de Santiago crosses Logroño’s old town. Tradition links the site to the city’s first Christian temple, and a Romanesque church stood there before being destroyed by a fire. The current building was constructed between 1513 and 1527, and the tower between 1570 and 1573.
Inside, the church has a single wide nave, without columns, about 42 metres long and 24 metres high, covered with star-shaped vaults. On the south façade, above the door, a large Baroque image shows São Tiago on horseback, as the warrior of the legend of the Battle of Clavijo.
The square beside it is a regular stop for pilgrims. It houses the Fonte dos Peregrinos, where canteens are filled, and on the ground a large game of the goose is painted — the board game with squares and geese — adapted with scenes and towns of the Caminho de Santiago.
On the same Rúa Vieja is the city’s pilgrim hostel.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes, including the square.
Best time
In the morning, when pilgrims pass on their way west. During masses, visiting the interior is limited.
How to get there
It is on Rúa Vieja, in the old town, about a 5-minute walk from the ponte de pedra and the co-cathedral.
Tip
Walk the game of the goose painted on the square’s ground: the spaces show towns and landmarks of the Caminho to Santiago.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Iglesia de Santiago el Real
What is the juego da glória of the praça de Santiago?
It's a large game board of the juego da glória painted on the ground, with squares that show towns and landmarks of the Caminho de Santiago.
When was the church of Santiago el Real built?
Between 1513 and 1527. The tower dates from 1570 to 1573.
Where do pilgrims fill their canteen in Logroño?
At the Fonte dos Peregrinos, in the square next to the church of Santiago el Real, on the Rúa Vieja.