CATHEDRAL OF SANTO DOMINGO DE LA CALZADA

This cathedral, a fine example of protogothic architecture, has three naves, one of which is higher and twice as wide, with a transept across the middle and an ambulatory that probably once opened onto three absidal chapels. At the beginning of the 12th century, the temple was enlarged and became a fortress-church, the only one of its kind in La Rioja. The alabaster mausoleum with the remains of Santo Domingo, the founder of the first temple (late 11th century), who had chosen to retire to devote himself to the needy and pilgrims, stands under the cross vault. Another piece to see is the Spanish-Flemish Renaissance altarpiece by the sculptor Damian Forment; this is one of his rare achievements in wood. The polychromy is the work of Andrés de Melgar. This piece combines the emblematic themes of Christian art, with various scenes from the Bible, the main one being that of the Saviour, and a profusion of mythological subjects, such as tritons, nereids or centaurs, which are found nowhere else in Spain. In front of the mausoleum, don't be surprised by the presence of a henhouse: legend has it that a pilgrim accused of theft during his stopover in Santo Domingo proved his innocence by betting on the resurrection of a rooster, claiming that the latter could crow after being roasted. The miracle, of course, happened and since then a rooster and a hen have been residing under the nave of the cathedral.