• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Of Muses and Meringues

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Bars and Squares
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Brownies and Blondies
    • Cakes and Cupcakes
    • Candy
    • Cookies
    • Easy Entrees
    • Fruit Desserts
    • Lemon and Lime Desserts
    • Miscellaneous Desserts
    • Muffins
    • Pies
    • Salads and Side Dishes
    • Soup
    • Recipes Inspired by Musicals
  • Travel Index
  • Poetry Index
  • Writing Links
  • About My Books
  • About Me

July 28, 2011

Thursday’s Child: Laguardia, Spain

Laguardia, Spain is a bit off the beaten path. Unlike the other towns I’ve written about this month, it isn’t a major tourist destination.  But it’s well worth a short detour to visit this tiny village in the La Rioja region of Spain.
Laguardia is a medieval walled town that has changed very little over the centuries. In the tenth century, a castle was built on the site, two towers of which remain today.  In the thirteenth century the town was settled and the city walls were built.  Many of those original walls and buildings still survive.
In the Middle Ages, villagers built tunnels under the city to store their food and as refuge during sieges.  However, this created instability and for that reason no cars are allowed within the town.  Now those tunnels are used as wine cellars. But because the grape harvest has to be carried on people’s backs, only two bodegas currently operate in town. 
The medieval walls and cobblestone streets would be a good enough reason to visit Laguardia.  But it’s also home to the beautiful Church of Santa Maria de los Reyes.  Usually kept locked, the church is opened once a day for a Spanish-speaking tour.  Although we don’t speak Spanish, we took the tour for the chance to see the stunning carved gothic portico that leads into the church.  In the seventeenth century, a façade was built around it for protection, and that’s why much of the stunning colour has survived.
Laguardia is small enough that you can easily walk it completely in an hour or so.  But if you pause to admire the wonderful architecture and the beautiful views, you’ll be captivated for much longer.

Filed Under: Spain

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Caryn says

    July 28, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    These are gorgeous! Now I really, really want to go back to Spain. I'd forgotten how pretty it can be.

    Reply
  2. Valerie says

    July 28, 2011 at 9:51 pm

    Wow Beth!
    Not only was that a lovely post, but your blog looks fabulous!! Nice makeover. 😀

    Reply
  3. Beth says

    July 28, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    Thanks, Valerie! I've now been blogging for a year and I decided I needed a change. Hopefully I'll blog about that in the next day or two!

    Reply
  4. The Golden Eagle says

    July 28, 2011 at 10:15 pm

    I love the pictures of Spain!

    I agree–great new blog look. 🙂

    Reply
  5. LDH says

    July 28, 2011 at 10:23 pm

    It must take your breath away to stand and gaze on the beautiful Church of Santa Maria. Amazing!

    Reply
  6. Ruth says

    July 28, 2011 at 10:28 pm

    Lovely pics, as usual. And I really like the blog changes!

    Reply
  7. allieksmith says

    July 28, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    I am LOVING the new look of your blog! AWESOME 🙂

    Laguardia sounds beautiful… I love places that are "off the beaten path"

    Reply
  8. Anna says

    July 29, 2011 at 1:05 am

    I would love to visit here and get lost down those cobbled streets. I love the new look Beth 🙂

    Reply
  9. Janet Johnson says

    July 29, 2011 at 1:38 am

    Beautiful pictures! And, as always, you make me wish I were there. 🙂

    Reply
  10. tenaciouslyyours.com says

    July 29, 2011 at 1:51 am

    Ohmygoodness! I'm absolutely fascinated by their efforts at siege protection and the re-purposing of the siege cellars. I just love these little mini-tours every week and I so look forward to them 🙂

    Reply
  11. Carol says

    July 29, 2011 at 2:31 am

    Beautiful pictures! Nice that you make stops off the beaten path, looks like a wonderful place to visit. Very pretty changes to your blog, looks terrific!

    Reply
  12. Sharon K. Mayhew says

    July 29, 2011 at 3:11 am

    Don't you love European History! It always amazes me how long everything lasts over there. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
  13. comfortablydomestic.com says

    July 29, 2011 at 3:48 am

    I am *loving* your new blog design! The header and the colors are so great. Although I share your passion for baking, I really enjoy your travel posts because they make me think of travelling to places that I may never have heard of otherwise.

    Reply
  14. Ruth says

    July 29, 2011 at 8:17 am

    That final photo is breathtaking! And the blog looks great!

    Reply
  15. Jess says

    July 29, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    Love the photos, and I love that you include a bit of history with each post. Makes me feel like I got a nice personal tour 🙂

    Reply
  16. Barbara says

    July 29, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    I love your new format, Beth. Soft colors and easy reading!
    And your Spain photos are wonderful. I came home with some beautiful Santos to add to my collection, so it was fun to see the church.

    Reply
  17. jillbert says

    July 30, 2011 at 2:18 am

    What a fabulous find!

    Reply
  18. Pacheco Patty says

    July 30, 2011 at 4:16 am

    Very cool Beth, love your new look;-)
    I really enjoyed my visit to Spain, only complaint-not a long enough visit!

    Reply
  19. Angie's Recipes says

    July 30, 2011 at 5:09 am

    A very beautiful village! You have been to so many places.
    Nice new template, font and header. I like it.

    Reply
  20. Amie Kaufman says

    August 7, 2011 at 11:04 am

    Wow, looks absolutely beautiful! The walled towns in that part of the world are something else, and I must admit that I love it when the cars are shut out. It provides a such a peaceful atmosphere!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Connect Online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Welcome
  • Categories
  • Archives
Welcome to Of Muses and Meringues. Thanks for stopping by! I am Beth! Writer, traveller, baker, mother.
Categories
Archives

Copyright © 2021 · Of Muses and Meringues · designed by blogger boutique · Genesis Framework