Monasterio de Santa María la Real

La Rioja


The Gothic Monasterio de Santa María la Real, with its fragile-looking, early-16th-century cloisters, is the town's main draw.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby La Rioja attractions

1. Vivanco

8.79 MILES

A must for wine lovers, the high-tech Museum of the Culture of Wine delves into the history and culture of wine and the various processes that go into its…

2. Monasterio de Yuso

9.11 MILES

The 6th-century Monasterio de Yuso, sometimes called El Escorial de La Rioja, contains numerous treasures in its museum. You can only visit as part of a…

3. Monasterio de Suso

9.23 MILES

Built above the caves where San Millán once lived, the Monasterio de Suso was consecrated in the 10th century. It’s believed that in the 13th century a…

5. Bodegas Palacio

11.9 MILES

Bodegas Palacio, just 800m south of Laguardia, arranges tours and tastings by appointment. Check the website for details of its wine courses (from €35 for…

6. Centro Temático del Vino Villa Lucía

12.16 MILES

Just outside Laguardia, 700m to the southeast, is this impressive wine museum and shop selling high-quality bottles from small local producers. Museum…

7. Bodega El Fabulista

12.18 MILES

Tours of this traditional winery's medieval cellars, 7m below the Laguardia's historic heart, finish with a tasting of two of the bodega's wines. Reserve…

8. El Reloj Animado

12.2 MILES

Atop the town hall on the main plaza, Laguardia's intriguing clockface draws onlookers at various times of the day. At noon, 1pm, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm and 10pm,…