Located in Rioja Alta, Briones is a small medieval hilltop town. Surrounded by fabulous vinyeards, it also offers stunning scenery, a wealth of medieval architecture, a wonderful culinary tradition and several annual festivals.
The name Briones comes from Berones, who were the ancient inhabitants of La Rioja.
The Plaza de España, in the centre of Briones, is the setting for the medieval days and other village festivals.
There is also the excellent Vivanco Museum of Wine Cutlure on the outskirts of the town which is a must-see if you are at all interested in the history of wine.
Jornadas Medievales Festival
This famous festival of National Tourist Interest is celebrated in Briones on the third weekend of June with the aim of commemorating the way of life of the inhabitants of the town in the fourteenth century.
The trades of the time are represented by its inhabitants in more than 50 portals of the splendid houses of the town, in addition the bars don’t serve food, giving all the prominence to the Medieval Inn, and so giving the festival a non-commercial character. One of the highlights is the “Paz de Briones” – a beautiful spectacle of light and sound.
Car:
Logroño: 32 km, Vitoria: 55 km, Burgos: 91km, Pamplona: 119 km , Soria: 124 km
Valdezcaray Ski Resort can be reached in 20 minutes by car, while the Basque coastline, Bilbao and San Sebastián are within 140km.
Airports:
Vitoria Airport: 37 km
Logroño–Agoncillo Airport: 38 km
Bilbao Airport: 85 km
Train: There is a station at Briones
WHERE TO STAY IN BRIONES
Los Calaos de Briones
The hotel has individually decorated rooms overlooking views of the Sierra Cantabria or La Demanda Mountains, the town of Briones, and a restaurant serving traditional Riojan cuisine.
Events and Festivals
Festivity of the Vera Cruz: remembrance of the advocation of the Santo Cristo de los Remedios, patron saint of Briones. Takes place each year on the first Sunday after 14 September.
Jornadas Medievales: The inhabitants reproduce the life in the village during the 14th century.