Navarrete

Navarrete is a municipality of the autonomous community of La Rioja, Spain, with a population of 2,660 (as of January 2006) and an area of 28.49 km2. Named a conjunto histórico of Spain, Navarrete is located between Logroño and Nájera on the Way of St. James, a medieval pilgrim route.EconomyRioja wine is very important to Navarrete's economy. There are still some old potteries in the upper part of the town, although the industry has relocated to the lower part of town, next to the communication routes.GeographyThe historic centre of the town is built on a hill called Tedeón, from which the town has since expanded. The municipality borders Fuenmayor to the north, Logroño and Lardero to the east, Entrena, Medrano, Hornos de Moncalvillo, and Sotés to the south, and Huércanos and Cenicero to the west.HistoryThe origin of the name Navarrete is uncertain. Navarrete was founded by the King of Castile as part of a plan to defend his borders and the name appears to have some relation to the neighbouring Kingdom of Navarre. One theory notes that the word "Nafarrate" in Basque means "Door of Navarre"; the later castellanization of the name would give rise to the present spelling.