From City Hall to Wineries: Churches, Cellars, and Views Over Haro

Take a look at the facade of this building—that's the Haro Town Hall, also known as Casa Consistorial. It was built in the 18th century, specifically between 1769 and 1778, in the neoclassical style. Ever wondered why so many historic buildings in Spain have this clean, symmetrical design? Here's a perfect example: sharp lines, finely hewn stone, and a calm elegance that immediately catches the eye.

Notice the inscription above the entrance, referring to the reign of King Charles III. This highlights the strong connection between the history of this place and the Spanish monarchy. And look up there on the facade—the clock was installed in 1857 and has been a fixed part of the city's landscape ever since. Imagine how people back then would glance at the clock to plan their day, long before smartphones or digital devices existed.

The ground floor features arcades with rounded arches that are not only beautiful but also provide shelter from sun and rain. Above them stretches a continuous balcony—perfect for greeting citizens or giving speeches during important events. Have you ever wondered what it must have been like to stand here over 200 years ago and feel the atmosphere?

The town hall is located at Plaza de la Paz, the central square of Haro. This spot has always been the heart of the city—a place where people gather, live, and celebrate. The building itself tells a story of a time when Haro was economically strong, a fact reflected in its architecture. So it’s not just an administrative building; it’s a piece of living history that still attracts visitors today.

Next time you pass by a town hall, remember: behind these walls, there’s more than just bureaucracy. Art, history, and the daily lives of the people come together here—and that’s exactly what makes places like this so fascinating.

Here we stand before the Church of Santo Tomás, an impressive building deeply rooted in the history of Haro. Did you know that construction of this church began back in the 16th century? The project was led by Juan de Rasines, who, along with Pedro de Rasines and his son Rodrigo, advanced the work. Later, in the 17th century, Pedro de Origoitia and Andrés de Venea continued the construction — a true community effort spanning generations.

Take a look around: the church features three naves covered with star-shaped vaults. These intricate vaults rest on columns and pilasters that give the space a special lightness. Have you ever seen a main entrance designed like a massive altarpiece? That's exactly what you'll find here. It’s richly decorated with scenes from the Stations of the Cross and depictions of the apostles — like a stone picture book telling stories.

Another highlight is the main facade in the Plateresque style, created by Felipe Bigarny. He is regarded as one of the most important sculptors of the Spanish Renaissance. His work here is a true milestone in art history, showcasing how architecture and sculpture can blend together.

The mix of styles is also fascinating: while the choir area is done in late Gothic style, the nave is dominated by Renaissance architecture. And the tower? It's primarily Baroque and even served as a model for other towers in the La Rioja region.

The Church of Santo Tomás stands at the foot of La Mota Hill, also known as La Atalaya, the original center of Haro. This makes the site not only historically important but geographically intriguing as well.

Here's a little question to ponder: why was this church declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931? The answer lies in its unique architecture, long construction history, and significance to the region. It’s a living testament to the cultural development of Haro and La Rioja.

Take a moment to discover the details that make this church so special. From the delicate vaults to the ornate facade — history is etched into every stone.

We’re standing in a truly special place—the Hermitage of San Felices de Bilibio—perched high on the Bilibio Cliffs, just a few miles from Haro. Ever wondered what it’s like to be somewhere that’s held spiritual significance for over 1,300 years? This is exactly where San Felices lived, a 6th-century hermit who’s not only revered as a saint but also known as the teacher of San Millán, another key figure in the region.

The first chapel here was built in 1710—long after San Felices’ time—right where he once lived and passed away. Look around, and you’ll notice the statue of San Felices, standing here since 1964. It shows him holding an open book, highlighting his role as a teacher and knowledge sharer. The cool part? The statue is lit up at night, shining so brightly you can see it from several miles away. It’s a true landmark shaping the landscape.

But the hermitage isn’t just a spot steeped in history; it’s also a perfect place to relax. Around you’re shaded picnic areas and a hiking trail leading to a lookout point. From there, you get stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and the sprawling Ebro Valley—a great spot to take a breath and enjoy nature.

Did you know the hermitage plays a central role in one of Haro’s most famous festivals? Every year on June 29th, the legendary Batalla del Vino—or Wine Battle—kicks off here. Before the celebration begins, participants gather for a procession to the hermitage, where a mass is held. Then the red wine starts flying—a spectacle you won’t want to miss if you find yourself here.

And one more thing: in September, there’s a traditional pilgrimage to the hermitage. Participants share a communal lunch and then return to Haro together. This shows just how alive and meaningful this place is for the local community.

Here’s an interesting fact to wrap up: the Bilibio Cliffs are known not only for the hermitage but also for their geological formations and archaeological remains of a Celtiberian fortress from the Iron Age. History, nature, and culture come together here in a fascinating way.

So next time you’re here, take a moment to soak in the vibe of this unique spot. How many stories do you think these rocks could tell?

So here we are at Nicolás Ocharan Park, a place with more stories to tell than you might expect at first glance. Ever wondered how a park gets its name? Well, in this case, it's pretty straightforward: Nicolás Ocharan was a man with a special passion—photography. He was not only a businessman but also an award-winning photographer who took home the top prize at the 1904 National Stereophotography Competition. That explains why this spot carries so much history.

The park itself sits on the land Nicolás Ocharan originally selected for building his palace. And this palace is truly impressive: built in 1901 in an eclectic style, featuring a facade of pink and white marble framed by ten Ionic columns. The blend of Greek and Italian architectural elements makes the building a real eye-catcher.

But that’s not all. In 1914, a neo-Gothic castle was added, surrounded by a Moorish-style wall—a combination you don’t see every day. There’s even a small observatory included, showing just how diverse Nicolás Ocharan’s interests were.

If you're wondering what else makes this park special beyond the architecture, take a look around: more than fifty different tree species grow here, including exotic ones like coconut palms, sequoias, and ginkgo trees. Did you know that the ginkgo is often called the "Tree of Hope" and is valued for its medicinal properties? So, a stroll here isn’t just pleasant—it’s like taking a little journey through the world of plants.

The park also features a private chapel and a gardener’s house, where those who care for the estate live. Altogether, Nicolás Ocharan Park is a place where history, nature, and architecture come together in an exciting way.

And here’s a fun fact to wrap it up: in 1984, the entire estate was declared a "Bien de Interés Cultural," which is a special designation for cultural heritage sites in Spain. That’s one more reason to take a closer look and discover all the details that make this place so unique.

We're standing in front of the CVNE Winery, founded in 1879 by brothers Raimundo and Eusebio Real de Asúa. Right from the start, their goal was clear: wines from La Rioja shouldn’t just be good—they should be exceptional. Did you know that CVNE is still a family-run business today, managed by the fifth generation of the founders' descendants? That means over 140 years of passion and expertise are packed into every bottle.

What makes CVNE so special? For one, they own more than 2,470 acres of vineyards—that’s huge! This makes them one of the largest private vineyard owners in Spain. You can taste that care in their wines, which are famous for their elegance and amazing aging potential. In other words, they don’t just get better with time—they develop exciting new flavors.

One real highlight here is the so-called "Eiffel Ship"—a wine cellar designed in 1909 by Gustave Eiffel. Yes, the same engineer who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris! This unique building is used for barrel aging and perfectly blends tradition with innovation.

CVNE offers various wine lines, from Cune and Imperial to Real de Asúa and Monopole. Their Imperial Gran Reserva is especially famous—it was named the best wine in the world in 2013, a first for any Spanish wine. Just imagine the care and skill that goes into every bottle to earn such an honor.

Here in the historic Barrio de la Estación neighborhood, you can take a tour to see how tradition and modern winemaking go hand in hand. CVNE puts great emphasis on preserving old methods while ensuring top quality. So, next time you open a bottle from La Rioja, remember: behind every sip is a story that goes all the way back to this place.

Here we are in Haro's Train Station District, a place that’s more than just a neighborhood — it’s the beating heart of the Rioja wine world. Have you ever wondered how wines from this region became so famous? A big part of the answer lies right here, at this very station.

Back in 1863, Haro was connected to the railway network. This was a real game-changer because from here, wines could be shipped quickly and efficiently all across Europe, especially to France. Not only did this boost trade, but it also played a key role in shaping the development of this district.

Take a look around: the historic wineries you see here aren’t your average vineyards. Names like López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, CVNE, La Rioja Alta, Bodegas Muga, and Bodegas Bilbaínas stand for tradition and quality dating back to the 19th century. Their stone and wood buildings feel like little time capsules, giving you a direct glimpse into the history of winemaking.

Did you know that the wine cellars here are often called the “Cathedrals of Rioja”? That’s because they offer perfect conditions — steady temperatures and ideal humidity — which help the wines mature slowly and evenly. The result? Wines with character and depth that are cherished worldwide.

Beyond its wine heritage, the district also has a modern side. The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Haro El Torreón shows that it’s not just the past that thrives here — contemporary art has its place too. It’s an exciting blend that keeps the district vibrant and diverse.

Imagine stepping into one of these wineries now, smelling and tasting the history that lives in every barrel. That’s exactly what makes the Train Station District so special: it connects tradition with modern life, history with the present, inviting you to be part of this fascinating world.

So next time you’re standing at a train station, remember: sometimes these spots tell more stories than you’d expect — and that’s definitely true here in Haro.

Here we find ourselves in front of the Muga Winery, right in the heart of Haro, the hub of winemaking in the Rioja region. Since 1932, this winery has been owned by the Muga family – a genuine family story that’s still alive today. Imagine this: it all started with Isaac Muga and his wife Aurora Caño, who turned their passion for wine into a lifelong craft.

What sets Muga apart? It’s the blend of tradition and craftsmanship. Did you know they still make their own wooden barrels in their very own cooperage? That's pretty rare and highlights how much they value quality and individuality. Each barrel is handcrafted – true artisanal work that you can taste in their wines.

The vineyards stretch over about 620 acres on a plateau influenced by different climates – Atlantic, Mediterranean, and continental. This mix creates exciting flavors and unique complexity in their wines. The main grape is Tempranillo, but Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano, Malvasía, and Viura also play a part. This diversity leads to a range that goes from bold reds to elegant whites and rosés.

Here’s a question to ponder: How does a winery consistently produce high-quality wines for nearly a century? The answer lies in blending time-proven methods with modern technology. Muga relies on hand-picking during harvest and pairs that with a modern winery that provides ideal conditions for winemaking.

A highlight includes their renowned wines like Muga Reserva, Selección Especial, and Torre Muga. These wines are sought after not only in Spain but worldwide and have won numerous awards. They truly reflect the classic Rioja style – elegant, complex, and unmistakably distinctive.

If you're here, it’s worth taking a behind-the-scenes tour: Muga offers guided visits and tastings where you can experience up close the passion and precision in every step. Here, wine becomes more than just a drink—it becomes an experience.

One more thing: Sustainability is important at Muga. The winery is committed to working in an environmentally friendly way and respecting nature – a priority that matters more than ever today.

So next time you hold a bottle of Muga Rioja in your hand, remember that you’re enjoying a piece of history and craftsmanship, lovingly made right here in Haro.

We're standing in front of the López de Heredia Winery in Haro, a town steeped in winemaking tradition since 1877. Ever wondered what it's like when a winery is over 140 years old and still run by the same family? That's exactly the case here — now led by María-José López de Heredia in its fifth generation. This winery is among the oldest and most respected in the Rioja region.

What sets this winery apart isn’t just its age but also its winemaking approach. Instead of modern steel tanks, they rely on large wooden barrels — not just any barrels, but 15,000 American oak Barriques crafted in their own cooperage and used for decades. This gives the wines a unique character that really stands out from many other Rioja wines.

Wondering how long these wines age here? The answer might surprise you: the wines mature much longer than usual. For example, a Gran Reserva spends at least nine years in the barrel — nearly a decade of patience and craftsmanship you can taste.

The vineyards themselves are vast: 420 acres spread across four distinct plots, including Viña Tondonia, Viña Cubillo, Viña Bosconia, and Viña Zaconia. Here, classic Rioja grape varieties like Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano grow, as well as white wines made from Viura and Malvasía.

Another highlight is the architecture: beneath our feet lie cellars dug up to 50 feet deep into the rock, housing over 13,000 barrels. And if you look up, you’ll notice the tasting pavilion — designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, who created a modern take on a wine decanter with this building.

Tradition is held in high regard here, but that doesn’t mean they don’t evolve. The winery’s philosophy blends the best of both worlds: time-honored methods with an open mind toward innovation.

So, next time you sip a López de Heredia wine, remember: you’re holding a piece of history crafted with patience, passion, and respect for nature. And honestly — how many wineries do you know that stick so firmly to their roots while still feeling so alive?

Here we are standing in front of La Rioja Alta Winery, right in Haro—the heart of Spain's wine country. Back in 1890, five families from the Basque region joined forces to create something special: a winery that still stands for quality and tradition today. Can you imagine what it was like when these families decided to pool their resources and make wine together? That's exactly how La Rioja Alta S.A. was founded.

A few years later, in 1904, a significant merger took place with the Ardanza Winery, leading to the creation of the famous Gran Reserva 890—a tribute to the year they started. These wines aren’t just drinks; they tell stories of generations pouring their passion into every bottle.

Did you know La Rioja Alta's vineyards cover about 1,025 acres? The vines here are on average 25 years old, which means they've weathered plenty and give the wines a special depth. The main grape is Tempranillo, complemented by Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Every grape is handpicked before aging in oak barrels made on-site. This process creates the classic Rioja style known for its elegance and complexity.

Now, be honest: who expected a wine from here could age easily for ten years or more? It really shows how durable and high-quality these wines are. The Gran Reserva 890 and 904, as well as the Reserva Viña Ardanza, are well-known classics everyone should try.

Here's an interesting fact: In May 2025, Guillermo de Aranzabal Bittner was named the new managing director. He’s leading the winery toward a future that blends tradition with innovation. The winery also focuses on sustainability—using fair-trade corks and renewable energy sources to protect the environment.

Picture yourself standing in Haro's historic train station district, surrounded by centuries of winemaking history. La Rioja Alta isn’t just a winery; it's a living piece of Spanish culture that continually shines with international awards. The wines here don’t just taste great—they reflect a unique sense of place you can truly savor.

Finally, here’s a little challenge: Next time you enjoy a Rioja, try to taste the history and passion bottled inside. Because here in Haro, at La Rioja Alta, wine isn't just made—it’s lived.