Concatedral de Santa María de la Redonda
La Rioja
The Co-Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda is a prominent Roman Catholic church located in the historic center of Logroño, La Rioja, Spain. Its name derives from an earlier rounded or polygonal Romanesque church that once stood on the site. The current structure, elevated to co-cathedral status in 1959 by Pope John XXIII, belongs to the Diocese of Calahorra y La Calzada-Logroño, which uniquely has three cathedral seats. Architecturally, the building features a Gothic central nave built between 1516 and 1538, characterized by slender cylindrical columns and intricately ribbed vaults resembling a stone palm grove. Flanking the main entrance are two elaborately decorated twin towers, iconic symbols of Logroño, inspired by the tower of Santo Tomás church in Haro and exemplifying Riojan Baroque style. The church contains numerous chapels enriched over the 16th and 17th centuries with religious paintings, sculptures, and altarpieces, including the Baroque Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels (1756). Of particular artistic significance are the Flemish panels by Gillis Coignet, painted in Antwerp in 1584, which depict the Annunciation, Epiphany, and Saint Peter. The co-cathedral also houses a small oil painting attributed to Michelangelo, known as the "Calvary of La Rioja," though its authenticity remains debated. The façade-retablo, designed by Juan Bautista Arbaiza, and the clock with three separate dials for hours, minutes, and seconds add to the building's uniqueness. Protected as a cultural heritage site since 1931, the co-cathedral remains a vibrant center of religious, social, and cultural life in Logroño.
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Consiglio: Visitors are encouraged to explore the co-cathedral during daylight hours to fully appreciate its architectural details and artworks. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended, especially to access the towers, which offer panoramic views of Logroño. The site offers discounts for groups and seniors. The best time to visit is outside major religious holidays to avoid crowds, and visitors should check the official website for current opening hours and special events.
Fatti interessanti
- •The co-cathedral's name "La Redonda" refers to the rounded shape of the original Romanesque church on the site.
- •Its twin towers are an iconic symbol of Logroño and inspired by the tower of Santo Tomás church in Haro.
- •The church contains Flemish panels painted by Gillis Coignet in 1584, depicting religious scenes such as the Annunciation and Saint Peter.
- •A small oil painting known as the "Calvary of La Rioja," attributed to Michelangelo, is housed in the co-cathedral, though its authenticity is not confirmed.
- •The façade-retablo was designed by Juan Bautista Arbaiza and features a monumental stone altarpiece flanked by the twin towers.
Storia
The site originally hosted a Romanesque church with a rounded or polygonal plan, giving rise to the name "La Redonda." In the 15th century, when Logroño was declared a city, the church gained collegiate status.
Over the 16th to 19th centuries, the current Gothic and Baroque structure was built and expanded, including the addition of twin towers modeled after regional examples.
In 1959, Pope John XXIII elevated the church to co-cathedral status, making it one of three cathedrals in its diocese.
The building has stood as a protected cultural monument since 1931 and has been a focal point of civic and religious life in Logroño for centuries.
Guida del luogo
Twin Towers16th century
These elaborately decorated towers flank the main entrance and are a defining symbol of Logroño. Built by Martín de Beratúa, their design was inspired by the tower of Santo Tomás church in Haro and exemplifies Riojan Baroque architecture.
Façade-Retablo16th century
A monumental stone altarpiece above the main entrance designed by Juan Bautista Arbaiza. It is flanked by the twin towers and protected by a wrought iron gate.
Central Nave and Vaults1516-1538
Constructed between 1516 and 1538 in Gothic style, the nave features slender cylindrical columns without ribs and a complex network of ribbed vaults resembling a stone palm grove.
Baroque Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels1756
Located near the main entrance, this chapel was built in 1756 and is richly decorated in Baroque style with religious paintings and sculptures.
Flemish Panels by Gillis Coignet1584
A set of three religious paintings-Annunciation, Epiphany, and Saint Peter-painted in Antwerp in 1584 and installed in the co-cathedral's chapel. They were acquired in Paris in the early 20th century.
Calvary of La Rioja Painting
A small oil painting on wood depicting Christ alive on the cross, the Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist, and Mary Magdalene. Traditionally attributed to Michelangelo, but authenticity is debated.
Contatto
Telefono: 941 25 76 11