Foncea

02Geography

Foncea is situated in the Rioja Alta comarca, approximately 64 km from Logroño. The municipality is traversed by the N-232 national road and local roads connecting to nearby villages. The landscape is defined by the Obarenes mountains to the north and the valley of the river Ea to the south, with the village itself located at an elevation of 698 m.

Elevation range

640 m to 993 m

Nearby mountains

Pico Foncea (982 m)

03History

The first documented mention of Foncea dates back to 952, linked to a land deed. The area has Roman origins, with a Roman road connecting Pamplona to Briviesca passing through it. The village layout reflects its historical significance, originally fortified with walls and four access gates, of which only one remains today.

• 952 First documented mention in a land deed.
• X century Roman road passed through Foncea.
• 1366 Enrique II donated the village to Pedro González de Mendoza.
• 15th century Construction of the original town wall.

Foncea, a municipality in La Rioja, is known for its mountainous landscape and rich history.

04Local Attractions

Foncea features several notable historical sites, including the Church of San Miguel, the Torre Fuerte Mocha, and remnants of the original town wall. The church, a late Gothic structure, houses a significant Renaissance altarpiece, while the Torre Mocha offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

• Church of San Miguel Late Gothic church with a Renaissance altarpiece.
• Torre Fuerte Mocha Roman watchtower from the 13th century.
• Town Wall Remnants of a 15th-century wall with one preserved gate.
• Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Antigua Modern chapel built on the site of an earlier church.
• Arce-Foncea Ruins of the original settlement, including a Romanesque church.