Arnedo has achieved another milestone in its historical and cultural heritage with the addition of the Patio de los Curas to the European Cultural Route for Prehistoric Rock Art (CARP). The mayor, Rosa Herce, received the official recognition and diploma from the Council of Europe during an event organised by the Association for Rural Development (ADR) of La Rioja Oriental, held at the Victoria Hotel in Arnedo on 20 October 2023.
This new inclusion makes the Patio de los Curas the second site from Arnedo to be part of this cultural route, following the Cueva de los Cien Pilares. The presence of both locations in this European network provides an opportunity to enhance the visibility of Arnedo's heritage and its tourism potential, both nationally and internationally, alongside renowned sites such as Altamira in Spain and Lascaux in France.
In addition to the two Arnedo sites, the route encompasses six other resources from La Rioja Oriental: the Jubera Mines in Santa Engracia del Jubera; the Wine Cellar District in Quel; the Rock Presses and the Chessboard Caves in Arnedillo; the rock settlement of Inestrillas; and the Celtiberian site of Contrebia Leucade in Aguilar del Río Alhama.
The event brought together institutional representatives and specialists to discuss the relationship between rock art, tourism development, and European Cultural Routes. A promotional video was also presented, highlighting the eight resources from La Rioja included in the itinerary, all of which are located in La Rioja Oriental.
The incorporation of the Patio de los Curas thus strengthens Arnedo's presence in this European cooperation initiative, which aims to raise awareness of the city's rich heritage and its surroundings.
About the European Cultural Routes
The European Cultural Routes, established by the Council of Europe, are networks and routes that highlight the shared heritage, history, and culture of various European territories. Their goal is to promote awareness of this common legacy, encourage cultural exchange, and contribute to sustainable tourism development. Within this framework, the Prehistoric Rock Art Routes connect sites that showcase the earliest artistic expressions of humanity, linking heritage resources from different countries and facilitating their joint promotion.
