The town of Villarroya has only 3 inhabitants, according to INE data from 2023, making it the smallest town in La Rioja and one of the most uninhabited in Spain. However, this town has not always been like this, since during the 20th century it had around 300 residents.
Despite its low census, the town maintains a unique charm that makes it a very picturesque destination. In fact, it has a rich historical heritage which, in its day, put it in the spotlight of many countries thanks to the archaeological remains that they met there. Likewise, the natural environment that surrounds this town is another attraction, because thanks to the little light pollution it is a perfect destination for gaze at the stars.
The discovery of a paleontological site in 1920 put Villarroya in the world science map. This site, one of the most important in the world, has provided fossils of great value that have been studied and exhibited in renowned museums, such as the National Museum of Natural Sciences of Madrid and the National Museum of Natural History of France. This discovery not only reveals the rich natural history of the region, but also emphasizes the importance of Villarroya as a site of scientific interest.
Likewise, this small village allows you to discover the typical architecture of the area, since Villarroya was originally founded by shepherds from the region. Furthermore, walking through its streets, visitors will notice a distinctive feature: each house is decorated with ceramic plates, created by a single local artisan. These plaques, inspired by old town writings, are unique and reflect the name of the street on which each home is located.
These ceramic pieces not only serve as signage, but also add a touch of history and art to the town, highlighting the dedication of its inhabitants to preserving their cultural heritage. For its part, the parish church of Saint John the Baptist It is without a doubt the main building of the town. It is located in the center of the town and was built in various historical periods. At the same time, it stands out for its integration of different architectural styles and for housing religious artifacts of great value.
In addition to its historical and cultural wealth, Villarroya is an ideal starting point for nature lovers. The surrounding region, with its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails, invites visitors to explore and enjoy the natural environment. Walks through the fields and forests allow you to appreciate the native flora and fauna, as well as the panoramic views of the Arnedo region. Furthermore, at night, the visitor can enjoy a wonderful starry sky thanks to little, if not zero, light pollution. So much so, that it was declared as reservation of starlight.
From Logrono, the trip is around 55 minutes on the N-232 and LR-123 roads. For its part, since Saragossa The journey has an estimated duration of 1 hour and 25 minutes on the AP-68 highway (there are tolls).
