Basque Country Tourist Guide

THE BASQUE COUNTRY

THE RIOJA ALAVESA

Laguardia is the main town of the central part of the region. Fortified in the 13th century, its walls and towers shelter a hive of activity in which tourism holds a privileged status. If you have time, take a guided tour that includes the portal of the church of Santa María de los Reyes and Torre Abacial . It is not only well-preserved, but remarkable for other reasons. Make sure not to miss it.

E LV I L L A R

t he Basque people discovered the virtues of the Rioja Alavesa thousands of years ago. Each of its towns boasts a rich historical heritage that can't fail to attract your attention. Some worth noting are the dolmens of Layaza , the Herrera pass, Sotillo , San Martín , La Huesera in Laguardia, La Chabola de la Hechicera in Elvillar, El Encinal and Los Llanos in Kripan. The numerous cave wine presses still preserved in many' places are also fascinating. You can visit the Iron Age forts of Castros de Buradón , near Labastida. Close to Laguardia, the proto-historic village of La Hoya contains a museum that traces the way of life neatly three thousand years ago. You will be surprised by the violent history that explains how the inhabitants met their end, in a torment of arrows, fire and spears!

Numerous megalithic monuments tell of a past that dates back 3,000 years Yo will also soak up the history here. The medi val origins of the Rioja Alavesa, between Navarre and Castile, explain the presence of numerous walled towns . Labraza is one of them. It has won the International Award for Walled Towns due to its excellent state of conservation. The hundred inhabitants live like feudal lords in one of Araba/ Álava's most attractive villages. On the far west border of the Rioja Alavesa the town of Salinillas de Buradón proudly maintains its defensive walls, towers and the mansion of the Condes de Oñate. There is a saltwater spring that attracts hundreds of tourists every year. You are sure to enjoy yourself!

L A G U A R D I A

The town hall in the Plaza Mayor features an interesting chiming clock with figures that dance to the rhythm of festive street music. You may not know that Samaniego, the fable writer, was born here in a mansion in the Plazuela de San Juan dating from the seventeenth century. South of the town you will notice the beautiful Church of San Juan, described as a church-fortress. The oldest building in the village (late fourteenth century) is the Casa de la Primicia, located on Calle Páganos, which owes its name to its original use as the storehouse for the "first fruits" tax. And if you want an unbeatable view of the lands and people of the Rioja Alavesa, take a trip to the Paseo del Collado, which offers a magnificent view of the region against the backdrop of the Sierra de Cantabria.

LABRAZA

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