Ayuntamiento de Sajazarra

Sajazarra is a small municipality in the Rioja Alta district of La Rioja, Spain, home to just over a hundred residents. In 2017 it became the first village from La Rioja to join the association of the "Most Beautiful Villages of Spain" (Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España), and it has kept that reputation ever since.

Where is Sajazarra and what makes it special?

The village sits near Haro, at the meeting point of the Aguanal and Ea streams, surrounded by vineyards and cereal fields at the foot of the Obarenes range. Its old quarter has kept a compact medieval layout, with narrow cobbled lanes and honey-coloured stone houses that earned the whole centre protection as a Historic-Artistic Complex. Because the village is so small, a visit rarely takes long, but the atmosphere of a place that once guarded this stretch of the Camino territory is easy to feel within minutes of arriving.

What can you see in Sajazarra?

The fifteenth-century castle

The most striking landmark is the castle, built in the second half of the fifteenth century when the Velasco family took control of the town. It is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of defensive architecture in La Rioja. The building remains private property, so the interior is closed to visitors, but its cellars now host the Castillo de Sajazarra winery, keeping the fortress in active use rather than as a silent monument.

The Church of the Assumption

Standing right next to the castle, the parish church dates back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and blends several architectural styles, a mix that shows up clearly in its stonework and layout. Inside, it houses the image of the Virgen de la Antigua, venerated locally for generations.

El Arco, the last surviving gate

The village was once enclosed by walls with four gateways; only one has survived, known simply as El Arco. It now works as the symbolic entrance to the historic centre and is one of the most photographed corners of Sajazarra.

What is the history behind Sajazarra?

The earliest known written reference to the settlement appears under the name "Saggazahar," in a document issued by the Navarrese king Sancho el de Peñalén recording a donation to the monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla. In 1169, King Alfonso VIII granted the town to the monastery of Valdefuentes. The defensive walls that still shape the village today were raised between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, while the castle reached its present form in the fifteenth century under the Velasco lordship.

Sajazarra and wine

Like most villages in Rioja Alta, Sajazarra is closely tied to winemaking. Vineyards cover the surrounding hills, and the village lies along the Rioja Alta wine route. The combination of medieval fortifications and an active winery inside the old castle cellars is one of the reasons visitors come here for more than just the architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the castle in Sajazarra? No, the castle is privately owned and its interior is not open to the public. It can be admired from the outside, and its cellars now house a working winery.

Why is Sajazarra called one of the most beautiful villages in Spain? It received that recognition in 2017, the first village from La Rioja to do so, thanks to its well-preserved medieval layout, stone facades, and landmarks such as the castle and the parish church.

How long does it take to visit Sajazarra? Given its small size, a relaxed walk covering the main sights — the castle, the church, and El Arco — usually takes between one and two hours.

What else is there to do near Sajazarra? The surrounding Rioja Alta area is known for its wineries, so many visitors combine a stop in Sajazarra with tastings at nearby bodegas or a trip to the larger town of Haro.