Church architecture, a prehistoric dolmen and a walking route with a precisely specified distance give Bilar clear starting points for a culture- and landscape-focused stay. The themes range from the architectural history of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción to the long history of use of the Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen; the SL-A 90 walking trail leads from Bilar to this megalith. The landscape also stretches from the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño to the Ebro.
Church and rural architecture
Construction of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción began in the early 16th century on the site of the town’s former castle. The castle walls are still visible at the main entrance. Inside the church, a very high hall nave with star-shaped rib vaults defines its architectural impression. The main altar was created in the 16th century and gilded in the 17th century. The church thus brings together a striking spatial design and a history of decoration spanning two centuries.
Concerts are occasionally held in the church. Dates may vary; if attending a concert is important to your trip, check the current schedule in advance.
The Casa del Indiano adds a different type of building to the architectural highlights: it is an 18th-century Baroque palace and one of the notable examples of rural architecture in the Rioja Alavesa. Visitors wishing to compare architectural forms can consider the church as a religious building and the Casa del Indiano as a Baroque palace.
Dolmen and SL-A 90 walking trail
The Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen is one of the most important dolmens in the Basque Country. It is also probably the largest and best-preserved dolmen in the surrounding area. The megalith was erected about 5,500 years ago and used as a communal burial site for several thousand years. Its history therefore includes both its early construction and a long period of communal burial use.
The SL-A 90 walking trail leads from Bilar along a 1.5-kilometre section to the Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen. The trail is 3 kilometres long in total, with both the start and finish in the town. This makes it possible to plan a walk to the prehistoric monument. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.
Landscape and festivals
The landscape of Bilar stretches from north to south, from the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño to the Ebro. It includes farmland, ravines with riverside vegetation, and slopes with typical Mediterranean vegetation. These landscape features offer a different perspective on Bilar from its individual buildings and archaeological heritage.
On the eve of the festivities around the August festival, an Akelarre featuring a billy goat and witches is performed near the dolmen. The specific programme may vary from year to year. If this tradition is a deciding factor for your trip, check the dates in advance.
Guided tours are available in Bilar by prior reservation. If you are planning a guided tour, check the latest reservation details.
Discover more destinations: Campezo / Kanpezu, Leza, Araia, Pobes, Lezama, Samaniego, Castillo-Sopeña, Navaridas.
For the broader travel overview: Alava.
