Arkaia makes a striking impression with its Roman history and medieval architecture. At the archaeological site, the remains of walls and rooms from the ancient baths can be seen. The thermal complex is the best-preserved Roman thermal complex in Álava. Also here is the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, whose history includes Romanesque and Gothic building phases, as well as furnishings from a later period. In Arkaia, archaeological evidence and art-historical details thus take centre stage as two distinct ways of experiencing the place.
Roman Baths and Settlement History
The baths were part of the important Roman settlement of SUESTATIUM, which lay on the Iter 34 road between Astorga and Bordeaux. Its location on this road places the settlement within a named historic route connecting the two cities. The thermal complex also included a palaestra, an area for exercise and outdoor activities. The archaeological site also contains remains of an Iron Age settlement. To understand the chronology, it is worth distinguishing these traces from the Roman phase of SUESTATIUM: they belong to different periods in the history of the place.
Church of the Nativity of Our Lady
The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady is an important part of Arkaia’s medieval heritage. In the 16th century, it was completely remodelled in a Gothic style typical of the region and built against the south wall of the earlier Romanesque church. The church therefore does not represent a single style: the Gothic remodelling dates to the 16th century, and Romanesque elements have also been preserved.
The main altarpiece, the central altar structure, dates from the 18th century. The large baptismal font from the Romanesque church bears geometric decoration on its basin: interlocking circles and eight-pointed stars. Details have also been preserved on the Romanesque portal. Its archivolts, the moulded arches of the portal, are decorated with acanthus leaves and can be seen from the stairs to the tower. The building history and furnishings thus reflect different periods, from the Romanesque portal to the Gothic remodelling and the later altarpiece.
Green Trail and Practical Information
A 4 km circular green trail is recommended for visiting the Roman baths. It runs along the Errekaleor River and Cerro de las Neveras, takes about an hour, and is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Its length and approximate duration make it a practical option to include in your day’s plans.
The green trail starts at the “Antonio Amat Maiz, 5” stop on bus line L7. Before setting off, check the latest information about the bus line and the trail, as practical route and transport details can change.
More Cultural and Walking Trail Connections
Puente De Arkaia 1 is also part of the protected monumental complex of bridges in the Zadorra basin. As of June 2026, the former A-132 road between Arkaia and Elorriaga formed part of the Green Ring network as a remodelled and landscaped route. These details complement the Roman and ecclesiastical cultural attractions with a monument and a route that each have their own connection to the area.
Discover more destinations: Abornikano, Gorbeia Inguruak, Maestu, Castillo-Sopeña, Legutio, Guereña, Lezama, Lasarte.
For the broader travel overview: Alava.
