In Laguardia, different stories sit side by side: churches and fortifications tell of architecture and defense, while archaeological finds shed light on much older traces of settlement. Nearby, the Complejo Lagunar de Laguardia wetland system offers a very different perspective. When planning a stay, you can choose between cultural history, a section of the GR-38 long-distance trail, and birdwatching at Prao de la Paúl.
Churches, Walls, and Architectural History
The Church of Santa María de los Reyes stands in the north of Laguardia. Construction began in the late 12th century in the Romanesque style and was completed in the 15th century. Gothic and Renaissance elements are part of the building, as are some Baroque features resulting from later renovations. The different styles make its long construction history a subject in its own right: Santa María de los Reyes cannot be reduced to a single period.
The Church of San Juan Bautista is also closely connected to military architecture. It is integrated into the city wall and the defensive tower that protects the city gate. The Torre Abacial adds to this picture: the square castle tower served to defend Laguardia’s western walls. Its architectural inspiration lies in Romanesque tower structures in northern Italy and the Catalan Pyrenees. Together, these examples show different aspects of the built heritage, though the buildings did not all serve the same purpose.
La Hoya and the Long History of Settlement
The archaeological site of La Hoya takes us far back before the medieval history of construction. The first settlement there dates to the 15th century BC. At that time, Indo-European groups from Central Europe came into contact with the megalithic cultures already present in the region. The site’s history thus encompasses both early settlement and cultural encounters.
Following the arrival of the Celtiberians, La Hoya developed into an important trading center and a center of territorial organization. Technological and economic innovations contributed to this development; at the same time, increased agricultural productivity encouraged barter. This connection between agriculture, exchange, and organization gives the history a tangible economic dimension.
Another archaeological feature is the Celtiberian water basin in Laguardia. It may have been built and used in the 3rd to 2nd century BC. This dating remains a well-founded possibility, not a certainty. The Dolmen de la Huesera, by contrast, has undergone a documented restoration: the fallen capstone was returned to its original position.
Wetlands and Birdwatching
Near Laguardia lies the protected natural area of Complejo Lagunar de Laguardia, which includes four wetlands. These comprise the naturally formed, seasonally flooded endorheic lagoons of Carralogroño, Carravalseca, and Musko, as well as the artificial freshwater wetland of Prao de la Paúl. The difference between the three lagoons and Prao shows that the area is not made up of just one type of landscape.
The wetland system contains at least five habitat types of Community interest. It is also home to at least twelve different bird species and numerous regularly occurring migratory birds. Prao de la Paúl is particularly well suited to birdwatching: a path runs alongside it, and there are areas for easy birdwatching. If you are looking for an outing centered on nature, this is a specific option in the Laguardia area.
Planning Visits and Hikes
The first stage of the GR-38 long-distance trail runs from Oyón to Laguardia. For hikers, this is a clearly defined route section with Laguardia as its destination. Alongside the cultural and natural attractions, it offers a specific hiking option.
Reservations for guided tours in Laguardia can currently be made at the tourist office or by phone or email through its contact channels. Check the available ways to get in touch before your trip. This lets you include the tours as a separate part of your plans, without conflating them with the hiking stage or a visit to the wetlands.
Discover more destinations: Murga, Hereña, Elburgo/Burgelu, Labastida, Lasarte, Murgia, Guereña, Lagran.
For the overview of the wider region: Alava.
