Located in the cloister of the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria of Calahorra, offers a unique experience for the traveler interested in the sacred art and history. Here, in this serene environment and significant architectural beauty, exhibits an impressive collection of works of art, guarded carefully by the Cabildo.
The pieces, ranging from the SIXTEENTH to the TWENTIETH century, come from diverse peoples of the diocese. Many of these communities no longer exist, or may not, guarantee the security of such treasures. Among the works featured in the museum are altarpieces, sculptures and exceptional pieces of jewelry. It is worth mentioning that there is a File of the Cathedral and diocese located in the annex building of the Sacristy, and in both dependencies are kept among other documents such as the Bible and Sacred on vellum of the TWELFTH century, a testament to the medieval past, the Custody of the Cypress tree, donated by Henry IV, and a fragment of the jewish Torah of the FIFTEENTH century, which has reached our days thanks to its re-use in the documents of the Council.
The history of the cloister is equally fascinating. Its construction began in 1453, but it was interrupted in 1549, due to the floods of the river Cidacos. It was not until 1975 that it was restored and adapted as a museum. More recently, after hosting the exhibition “La Rioja Tierra Abierta” in the year 2000 and after the reforms, the museum has reopened its doors to the public, an achievement reached thanks to the dedication of the volunteers of the cathedral.
Explore the Diocesan Museum is to enter the heart of the history and spirituality of The Rioja, where every piece tells a part of the legacy of the region and each architectural element of the cloister whispers secrets of a time since past. The visit, which will undoubtedly enrich your knowledge and appreciation of sacred art in an environment really special.
