Located on the route of the Camino de Santiago greatly benefitted Logroņo during the middle ages. Located at the border between the kingdoms of Castilla, Navarra and Aragon, the strategic position of Logroņo would play a big part in the future of the city for years to come.
Since the 11th Century, Logroņo has prospered due its geographic location. Situated on the river Ebro and on Saint James' Way, the most important route in the middle ages, Logroņo has flourished economically ever since.King Juan II of Castille gave Logroņo 'city' status in 1431, and entitled "very noble" and "very loyal" in 1444.One of the main periods in Logroņo's military history was its opposition to 30,000 French troops in 1521. The battle commenced on May 25th, the city vowed to "defend to the death" and attacked the enemy camp by nightfall on June 10th. Logroņo's brave inhabitants instilled fear and confusion into the soldiers. As a result, the siege was lifted and the troops fled for their lives.In 1982, Logroņo was designated as the capital of La Rioja. Despite being the smallest of all Spain's 17 autonomous regions, La Rioja is also the one ofthe wealthiest thanks to the strong agricultural and industrial economy.