Cathedral of Santo Domingo de la Calzada

In addition to the fact that it is the only church-fortress in La Rioja, what is most striking is that inside it houses a henhouse in which a real rooster and hen live, which are also protected as an Asset of Cultural Interest by the Government of La Rioja.
The animals are replaced every two weeks and allude to the legend of the hanged man. The myth tells that a pilgrim was hanged after being unjustly accused of theft. When his parents went to see the body they found their son alive and he told them that Santo Domingo de la Calzada had saved his life. The parents proclaimed that their son was alive, but the mayor of the city did not believe them and told them something like: "Your son is as alive as the roasted rooster and hen that I am eating." And suddenly, according to legend, the animals regained their feathers and came back to life.

Beautiful, worth seeing cathedral with chicken cage.

Anyone who sets out on the long journey through the north of Spain to visit the tomb of the Apostle James in Santiago de Compostela will visit many churches along the way. This one in Santo Domingo de la Calzada is sure to remain unique and unforgettable because of the pair of chickens that live there.