Álava
A territory with many facets, Álava is a unique episode of exploration. Romanic, baroque and renaissance monuments vie, side by side with some of the most spectacular scenery in northern Spain.
This, together with the natural environment, make Álava a place worth visiting again and again.
The Renaissance in particular is represented by beautiful palaces and noble houses together with magnificent churches. En the Rioja Alavesa these houses are found in places such as Villabuena, Elciego, Elvillar, and churches such as San Andrés in Elciego, and that of Santa María in Moreda.
Other classic examples of Renaissance architecture incluye the Palace of Larrako in Lezama and that of los Lazarraga in Zalduondo.
Álava is also home to two of the country’s most spectacular examples of romanic architecture. These are the basilica of San Prudencio in Armentia and the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Estíbaliz. Both of these are strategically located so as to fall directly on key points of the Route towards Sanitago that passes through the territory from the tunnel of San Adrián to the River Ebro.
From the XII and XIII century onwards, many thousands of pilgrims have chosen this route as an alternative to the road that goes through Navarra simply because it is considered a more secure route.
The Basilica of Armentia, which dates from the XII century, was the first cathedral to have been built and is one of the best loved in the Pais Vasco. This marvellous building is used as the focus for the festival of San Prudencio, the patron saint of the territory.
Another gem of the romanic alavense, is the beautiful Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Estíbaliz, possessor of a fabulous portal and a singularly beautiful baptismal font. By constrast, it is advised that you visit the churches in the localities of Alaiza y Gaceo to experience their colourful and interesting murals.
Álava is home to many green parks and open spaces, all of which support active and flourishing flora and fauna in a carefully managed setting. The Valle Salado de Salinas de Añana is one of the most singurly beautiful regions and has been declared as an Historic Monument as well as being included on conservation lists for protection.
The Sierra de Cantabria-Toloño is a large area of mountainous country that houses many ecosystems wrapped in a unique microclimate.
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