Church and Tower

The tower is in typical Riojan style, adjoining the main door and occupies the site of an earlier one from the 16th century. It was completed in 1760, after four years of construction by Matín de Beratua and Martín de Arbe. The intermediate space between the shaft and the belfry stands out in order to serve as a conjugatory, with the window on the south side, open towards the square. The main doorway opens on the fourth section of the Epistle side and is one of the most charming works of the Plateresque style of La Rioja. It is resolved in the manner of an altarpiece, with a semicircular arched entrance. In the iconography there is an abundance of Burgos influences derived from the circle of Juan de Vallejo, and whose purpose is to emphasize the symbolic figure of Mary, whose ownership the church held. The building was built in ashlar masonry, in a hall plan with an interior that keeps a real artistic treasure with samples of all styles. It has an octagonal chevet and three panels, covered with star-shaped cross ribs of different designs that form pointed arches supported by cylindrical pillars with octagonal base and capitals decorated with vegetal motifs. The main complex is in the Catholic Monarchs and Renaissance style, from the 16th century. It is documented that the chancel was built in 1521, from which date Miguel de Ezquioga was in charge of the first sections until 1536, since 1546 the work is linked to Juan Martinez de Mutio to build the last two sections, including the choir, staircase and doorway. The main altarpiece of the church of Briones is not only the most monumental classicist work in all of La Rioja, but also the most significant example of all those produced by the Cabredo Workshop during the 17th century. It is organized in a bank, three five-aisled hides with their corresponding plinths and attic. The design is by Hernando de Murillo (father) from 1626. At his death it was finished by his son Hernando de Murillo, helped by Juan Bazcardo and Diego Jimenez. It was finished in 1650. The sacristy is rectangular divided into four chapels by pilasters, finished around 1680 and decorated with fresco paintings by Juan Gallardo in 1791.