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CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE MOST CURIOUS TOURIST

ANDA MEGALITHIC STATION

Just a 5-minute walk from Apaizetxea is one of the largest dolmen concentrations in the Basque country with 4 dolmens separated by just 100 m. In each of them there are explanatory panels installed that help us better understand these constructions with more than 5,000 years of history.

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CHURCH OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA ASUNCIÓN

Known for its unusual size as the “Kuartango Cathedral” where the altarpiece of the Andagoya (16th century) is located, the family to which Pascual de Andagoya belonged. Born around 1514, at the age of 18 “being a young man” he left for “the new lands of America” being named by Charles V “Advancer and Discoverer of Peru (Biru)” although, due to illness, he did not participate in the conquest that finally carried out by Pizarro and Almagro.

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CELEDON HOUSE

Celedón is the protagonist of the La Blanca festivities in Vitoria-Gasteiz, who has traditionally been linked to the town of Zalduendo in the Llanada Alavesa. The character was inspired by a drunken villager who frequented the old town of Vitoria-Gasteiz, and therefore very well known, who is honored during the holidays by singing the song “Celedón has built a new house with a window and a balcony…” However, The recipient of the song, as seems to be sufficiently documented, would be Celedonio Iturralde, a native of the neighboring town of Bitoriano and a frequenter of Vitorian taverns like his namesake Zalduendo. The man who would later become a resident of Andagoia coincided during the Third Carlist War with the musician Pedro Fernández de Retana to whom he commented that after marrying a neighbor from Katadiano in Anda, he had “made a new house with a window and a balcony” in Andagoia. This must have amused the musician and he dedicated the well-known parade to him that is still sung today at festivals in the capital of Alava.

In fact, the Celedón house dates from approximately the same time as Apaizetxea and both are practically twins (with window and balcony...)

TOWER HOUSE OF URBINA BASABE

(14th century) which, together with the Church of San Pedro, is one of the most notable monumental complexes in Kuartango. It is currently used for exhibitions and cultural events.

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SANCTUARY OF NUESTRA SEÑORA DE ORO

Located on a hill next to the towns of Bitoriano and Jugo, it has a double attraction: the artistic and historical value of an important place of worship from the 16th century and the landscape value of a privileged viewpoint 850 meters above sea level. which allows you to observe the valley of Zuia and Kuartango on one side and the Llanada Alavesa on the other. On weekends, the “Atabaka” bar and restaurant attached to the sanctuary usually opens where you can enjoy a great lunch while contemplating the magnificent views.

ESKOLUNBE SANCTUARY

Hermitage from the late 15th century next to an old medieval road that crossed the Sierra de Badaia. Located 30 min. on foot or 5 min. by car from Apaizetxea in a beautiful enclave where a pilgrimage is celebrated every last Sunday in August in which the entire population of the valley participates.

AÑANA SALT VALLEY

20 min. From Apaizetxea, we can visit the Salt Valley, which with its more than 6,000 years of history has been declared a World Agricultural Heritage Site by the UN.

The landscape formed by the salt beds is tremendously peculiar and gives the valley a unique appearance. A visit that will not leave anyone indifferent, children and adults . Very enjoyable one-hour guided tours are offered, although it is essential to book as far in advance as possible because, especially during the holiday season and on weekends, it may not be easy to find an available date. Without a doubt a guaranteed success.

TOWER AND PALACE OF THE VARONA

As a perfect complement to the visit to the Salado Valley, we find a few kilometers away in the town of Villanañe this 15th century fortress, cataloged as a Monumental Historical Artistic Site. The complex that we see today began as a simple wooden tower with Visigothic origins that date back to the 7th century and that evolved along with the construction of a new tower in the 15th century and an attached palace in the 16th century. The visits are guided and free and last approx. 45 min. visiting the tower and part of the palace in which the original decoration that has lasted over the years is still partially preserved as it has continued to be inhabited to this day by the last direct descendant of the Varona lineage. Another essential visit.

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