The Cathedral of the Savior of Santo Domingo de la Calzada is located in the municipality of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, in the autonomous community of La Rioja. This monument, considered an Asset of Cultural Interest, was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument as part of the National Artistic Treasure by a decree of June 3, 1931.

The cathedral has its origins in a primitive Romanesque church built in honor of the Savior and Santa Maria. In 1098, King Alfonso VI donated land for its construction, which was consecrated in 1106 by Bishop Don Pedro Nazar. Initially, the church became a collegiate church around 1158 and, later, a cathedral after 1232, establishing itself as the seat of the bishop of Calahorra-La Calzada.

The construction of the present building began in 1158, preserving elements of the original structure. Under the direction of Master Garçion, important works were carried out, including the elevation of the right transept in the 16th century to house the tomb of Santo Domingo. The cathedral was designed as a pilgrimage church, with an ambulatory around the main altar to facilitate the transit of the faithful.

The building has a Latin cross plan divided into three wide naves with attached chapels. Behind the transept, marked in plan and elevation, is the main chapel, which has an ambulatory surrounded by several radial chapels, including a prominent central apsidiole. The cloister, attached to the northern side, is integrated into the rest of the church.

The cathedral is an amalgam of architectural styles, from the Romanesque of its chevet to the Baroque of its free-standing bell tower. Its body of naves is fully Gothic, and has undergone numerous reforms and extensions over the centuries, adapting to the tastes and needs of each era.

The exterior of the cathedral, after several construction phases, only retains some traces of the original project, such as the beautiful Romanesque corbels of the apse. Also noteworthy are the stained glass windows, its baroque bell tower, and two doorways. The main doorway, a transition between Romanesque and Gothic from the end of the 13th century, is formed by seven plain archivolts that project to the floor. Later, a niche was added with a sculptural group representing Christ handing the keys to St. Peter.

The original project included three apses, but finally only the central one was built, flanked by exterior buttresses that maintain the stability of the structure. Throughout its history, the cathedral has had three towers. The first, in Romanesque style, was destroyed in a fire in 1450; the second, in Gothic style, was dismantled due to risk of collapse; and the third, in Baroque style, is the one that is preserved today. This tower, built in 1762 under the direction of the architect Martín de Beratúa, is a unique example of a free-standing tower in Spain and reaches 70 meters in height, being the tallest in La Rioja.

The interior of the cathedral has three naves (one central and two lateral) that communicate behind the altar through an ambulatory. In the 15th and 16th centuries side chapels were added, such as the Chapel of Hermosilla, where the "Table of Miracles" is located, and the Chapel of San Juan Bautista or Santa Teresa. In the 17th century an additional chapel was built to serve as a baptistery.

The main altarpiece, one of the greatest works of the Renaissance sculptor Damián Forment, is located in the north transept. Although Forment died in 1540, the altarpiece was practically finished. The work, 9 meters wide and 13 meters high, incorporates mythological elements such as tritons, satyrs, nereids and centaurs, and is partially made of alabaster.

Built in 1460, the henhouse is a Gothic work in polychrome stone that houses a white rooster and hen. Located on the right arm of the transept, it symbolizes the miracle attributed to Saint Dominic, known by the saying: "Santo Domingo de la Calzada, where the hen crowed after roasting". This tradition is documented since 1350 by a bull of Pope Clement VI.

The present cloister, renovated in 1340, has ribbed vaults and has undergone several modifications. During the 1992 restoration, a Mudejar alfarje decorated with vegetal motifs and the arms of the sponsor was discovered. The choir, which was originally located high up, was moved to the floor of the main nave, where it is currently located.

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada is one of the essential stops on the French Way of St. James, being a place of welcome and devotion for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Its strategic location and rich history make it a symbol of pilgrimage and faith in northern Spain.