Things To Do in La Rioja City

You might find yourself with an afternoon to spare in the city between tours to the parks. Convento de Santo Domingo, at Pelagio B. Luna and Lamadrid (no phone), is worth a visit. Built in 1623, this church is one of the oldest buildings in Argentina and a fitting memorial to the local indigenous folk who built it. While the Spanish preferred adobe, this church is entirely built of stone, with a wooden roof that has withstood the test of time. Especially interesting are the elaborately carved carob doors. It is open Monday to Friday 8am to 12:30pm and 4 to 8pm; Saturday to Sunday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 8pm. Mercado Artesanal, at Pelagio B. Luna and Catamarca (no phone), is a crafts market, where you will find genuine textiles and ceramics made in the area. It is open Monday to Friday 8am to 12:30pm and 4 to 8pm; Saturday to Sunday 9am to 1pm and 4 to 8pm. Museo Folklórico, Pelagio B. Luna 811 (no phone), is a rambling house of dark rooms and pretty courtyards built in 1692. The museum offers a ramshackle display of local mythology and customs, be it photographs of giant, holy rocks in the desert, or processions of Indians with mirrored headdresses. Interesting is the medieval-looking wine press made from cow skin or the side room containing silverware from a famous local silversmith. Open daily 9am to noon and 3 to 8pm.