Riaza, located in the foothills of the Sierra de Ayllón, is a municipality that forms part of the province of Segovia. There are spectacular landscapes to accompany the important historical legacy that lies within the town walls.
Boasting the title of Villa, it has a wide range of rural tourism attractions that reveal its history as a key location on one of the most important livestock migration routes in Spain. It has a population of more than 2,000 inhabitants, which multiplies during the summer season.
What to see in Riaza?There are plenty of points of interest to discover in Riaza, each one telling its own story of the town and its history.
As far as the essential sights are concerned, we would undoubtedly highlight the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the popular architecture of the area on show. It's the most popular spot in the town and the busiest, with bars and restaurants where you can enjoy Segovian gastronomy. If you feel like having a really authentic experience, there is a street market on Mondays.
The square is symmetrical, with two porticoed halves separated by the Town Hall building which dates from the 18th century. This is undoubtedly one of the characteristic images of the town.
In terms of religious heritage, Riaza has a main church, the church of Nuestra Señora del Manto, located very close to the Plaza Mayor. Its Renaissance façade dates from the 15th and 16th centuries and the interior houses the Sacred Art Collection.
There are also several hermitages in the area, such as the hermitage dedicated to San Juan and the hermitage of San Roque.
If you want to discover the essence of this town without missing a thing, the best thing to do is to hire one of the guided tours available. Your guide will give you an in-depth explanation of each of the important points of Riaza.
What to do with children? If you are travelling with the family, there are many places where the little ones can enjoy themselves, such as the Peña Llanas viewpoint. Another option is the recreational area of Hontanares, where another of the hermitages is set in a wide expanse of countryside. Festivals and special events are held here.
Another plan for adventurous families is to go hiking in the La Pedrosa beech forest, where you can enjoy the vast expanse of nature and, depending on the season, a spectacular array of colours.
When are the fiestas in Riaza? The festival of the patron saint is held in September and lasts approximately nine days.The programme of festivities includes pilgrimages and bullfighting events, as well as the chance to enjoy the gastronomy.
You will be able to enjoy the local cuisine in the centre of the town. Dishes featuring high-quality roast meats are the mainstay.
We recommend staying in Riaza to enjoy it to the fullest. There are holiday cottages in the area, and also in the beautiful villages nearby where you can discover the magic and traditions of the area.
