San Vicente de la Sonsierra

San Vicente de la Sonsierra is a small town in La Rioja perched on a hilltop overlooking the Ebro River and surrounded by medieval walls and castle ruins. Stone houses line narrow streets, while the 16th-century church of Santa María la Mayor stands as a major landmark with a baptismal font from the 12th century. Nearby archaeological sites include the Romanesque chapel of Santa María de la Piscina from the 11th century and ancient rock-carved necropolises.

The town was founded in the 10th century as a stronghold for Navarrese people and formed part of a defensive line against invasions. The Basilica of Santa María de la Piscina was built in the 11th century, according to legend after Prince Ramiro returned from Jerusalem in 1088 bringing an image of the Virgin that has been venerated there ever since.

The town's name comes from Saint Vincent, a veneration deeply rooted in this region for centuries. Wine-making remains the heart of local identity, with ancient rock-carved presses and traditional storage buildings serving as visible reminders of how people have organized their work and community around the vine.

The town is easily reached by car and the local tourism office provides brochures, maps of walking routes, and helpful staff for planning your visit. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the area, and mobile apps with QR code guides help you explore historic sites, while marked trails lead through vineyards and surrounding countryside at your own pace.

During Easter, a unique ritual called Picaos takes place where local men in gray cloaks practice traditional self-flagellation, a custom that dates back centuries and has been preserved only in this region. This religious ceremony remains striking for outside observers and provides insight into deeply rooted local traditions.