To the west of The Original Basque territory is Puente la Reina/ Gares, a small town with more than 900 years of history and where the Camino de Santiago is almost a landmark in itself due to the number of places dedicated to the Jacobean Route and all the available places to visit.
We talk about monuments, churches, heritage, wine and gastronomy and much more. Do you want to delve into this Jacobean town? Keep reading and don’t forget to visit it!
Wealth around the Jacobean Route
We propose a tour around the history of the town and the Way of Saint James itself that crosses its most interesting places and points to discover the historical and architectural beauty of this area.
Arriving at Puente la Reina/ Gares, we are greeted by the Pilgrim Statue, which is the first point that The Original Basque invites you to visit. To continue, a good option is the church of the Crucifix (12th century) next to the hostel and the old pilgrims’ hospital.
Below are the towers at the entrance to Calle Mayor, which show that in the Middle Ages it was a walled city. The church of Santiago (12th century) a parish church of great beauty inside.
The convent of the Trinitarians (18th century) and the palatial houses are another of the charms that we recommend, without forgetting the Romanesque bridge (11th century) from which this town takes its name and is perhaps the most iconic.
A curious fact about Puente la Reina is that both Caminos de Santiago, the French and the Aragonese, join here.
That is why it is not surprising that so much architectural and cultural wealth is gathered here, since in the past it was a very important place and a transit point for all those pilgrims who sought assistance, places of worship and infrastructures to follow the Way.
Great gastronomic offer
There are many places where you can stop to regain strength around a table with local products and good company. In addition, one of the star products here are peppers and other agricultural products, which have their own festival celebrated with a market in September.
The Original Basque makes you its own recommendation in rural accommodation so that you can live the authentic original Basque experience.
Our recommendations:
- Hotel El Cerco
- Casa Rural Mendiburu
- Hotel Ioar
