HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF TORRES DEL RÍO
Torres del Río is an old town of stone houses crowded around the parish church of San Andrés and the church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is its most unique monument and one of the jewels of the Navarrese Romanesque of the 12th century. Border area between the kingdoms of Castile and Navarra, Torres del Río achieved prosperity due to its strategic position on the Camino de Santiago. Today it maintains its hospitable character with several hospitality establishments and some restaurants. A short walk will take us to the old laundry and from the neighboring town of Sansol we can enjoy the best panoramic views of this beautiful town.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHER
Its originality is given by its centralized plan, which reminds us a lot of the church of Santa María de Eunate, but which here adopts greater monumentality and architectural perfection. This symmetrical and centralized scheme would be explained by its dedication as the Holy Sepulchre. The octagon of its floor plan becomes a module that is transferred and repeated throughout the entire temple complex, which gives rise to extreme constructive perfection. The plan marks the longitudinal axis formed by the apse, central octagon and tower-staircase, highlighting the starry roof that is clearly reminiscent of Mohammedan architecture.
FRENCH WAY TO SANTIAGO
It begins in Roncesvalles and is the most popular and the one with the most interesting architectural heritage. It reaches Torres del Río from Estella, passing through Los Arcos, after crossing large fields of cereal and vineyards. The Holy Sepulchre, with its lantern at the top, welcomes pilgrims before they find refuge in its shelters.
HISTORIC HELMET
We will walk through its narrow and steep streets where on many of the facades of its large stone houses we will find interesting finely carved shields. Read more
CHURCH OF SAINT ANDREW
At the top of the town, next to a large square and a garden city, we find this Gothic-Renaissance work by Juanes de Larrañaga, built around 1599-1629. Its Latin cross plan is covered with beautiful starry vaults of terceletes.
LAUNDRY AND BRIDGE
Arriving along the Camino de Santiago we will find an old stone bridge and the recently restored laundry room.