Top 6 Castles around Cihuri

While Cihuri itself features historical sites like the Priory House and the Roman Bridge, the surrounding La Rioja Alta region offers several notable castles. You can explore Sajazarra Castle, a magnificent 15th-century walled structure that now functions as a winery. Another option is Castillo de los Velasco in Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón, a Gothic-style castle from the late 14th century, best admired from the outside along the Tirón River. Additionally, the settlement of Anguciana features the Torre Fuerte, a 14th-century fortified tower.

Yes, Sajazarra Castle is unique in that it combines historical architecture with the region's winemaking tradition. This well-preserved 15th-century castle, along with its fortification, Roman bridge, and gardens, now operates as a winery, offering a distinctive cultural experience.

Not all castles are open for interior visits. For example, the Castillo de los Velasco in Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón is not open to the public for interior tours, but its exterior is well worth admiring from the riverbanks. Sajazarra Castle, however, functions as a winery and may offer tours or access to certain areas.

Within Cihuri, you can visit the Priory House (El Priorato), a 17th-century building that served as the residence for the Prior of the Monastery of San Millán. There is also the Roman Bridge over the Tirón River, an Asset of Cultural Interest, originally Roman and reconstructed in the Middle Ages, notable for its three arches.

The region around Cihuri and its castles is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including options for touring bicycles, gravel biking, and road cycling. For example, there are routes like the "Rioja Alta Wine Trails Loop" for touring bicycles, or "Mymerak gravel route between wine cellars" for gravel biking. You can explore more options on the Cycling around Cihuri, Gravel biking around Cihuri, and Road Cycling Routes around Cihuri guide pages.

Yes, The Castle, which consists of the remains of a tower on a small promontory, offers very good views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, the Velasco Castle and Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón Bridge area provides picturesque views, especially from the bridge overlooking the church and the castle.

The La Rioja Alta region experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are generally considered the best times to visit. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant for exploring, and the vineyards offer beautiful scenery, either with fresh growth or autumn colors.

Many of the castles and their surrounding areas are suitable for family visits. For instance, the town of Anguciana, with its Torre Fuerte and other historical buildings, is considered family-friendly. Exploring the exteriors of castles like Sajazarra Castle and walking along the Tirón River near Castillo de los Velasco can also be enjoyable for families.

The time needed depends on the castle and your interest. For castles like Castillo de los Velasco, where the interior is not accessible, you might spend 30-60 minutes admiring the exterior and the surrounding village. For Sajazarra Castle, especially if you engage with the winery aspect, you might spend 1-2 hours or more. If you combine a castle visit with a walk or cycle, plan for a half-day or full-day excursion.

While Cihuri is a smaller village, public transport options like buses connect it to larger towns in La Rioja. However, direct public transport to every castle might be limited. It's often more convenient to reach these castles by car, or to combine a visit with cycling routes that pass through the villages where the castles are located.

Sajazarra Castle is considered one of the best-preserved castles in La Rioja. Its 15th-century structure, including its walls and keep, is in excellent condition, offering a clear glimpse into its medieval past.