Manurga is a destination for travellers who want to combine local history with trails and landscapes. The Goikobidea circular trail starts and ends in the village; Manurga is also one of the starting points for the climb to the summit of Gorbeia. The parish church of San Martín adds its own architectural and art-historical focus.

San Martín: Building history and art

Construction of the present-day parish church of San Martín began in 1520; it was completed in the 19th century, along with the portico. Its structure is Gothic, with Baroque alterations. The cruciform floor plan and the polygonal choir made of solid masonry give the architecture further distinctive forms. Inside is a main altarpiece in the Churrigueresque style.

The Verástegui Chapel also has some distinctive details: a coat of arms on the wall and an intricately crafted grille. Together with the Gothic structure and Baroque alterations, these features give the church a layered character, rather than an architectural style attributable to just one period. For travellers interested in art, the decorative details and their varied styles are another focus in their own right.

A Cristo Expirante dating from the 17th century comes from the parish church of San Martín in Manurga. This Hispano-Philippine work is carved from ivory and polychromed. Its provenance and date add another work of art to the building history, without implying that it can currently be seen in Manurga.

Manurga lay on a heavily used medieval route linking Leintz Gatzaga—also known as Salinas de Léniz—in Gipuzkoa with Orduña in Bizkaia, via Zigoitia and Zuia in Araba/Álava. The Izubarri Bridge can also be reached from Manurga; the Manurga administrative council had it restored in 2018. The village’s patron saint’s feast is celebrated on 11 November, the feast day of Saint Martin. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates in advance.

Goikobidea or Gorbeia?

Goikobidea is a short, easy circular trail that starts and ends in Manurga and passes through the village’s cultural heritage. Along the way are natural features, historic remains and ruins of traditional workplaces. The route thus brings together several themes: cultural heritage, natural features and traces of traditional work.

The climb to Gorbeia is a different kind of outing: Manurga is one of the starting points for the route to the summit. The choice is therefore between two types of excursion—a circular walk that starts and ends in the village, or a starting point for a summit climb. The forests around Manurga can also be explored. These distinctions can help you tailor your visit to your interests in local history, trails or nature, without assuming a fixed itinerary.

Landscape and getting there

Manurga lies on a prominent hill at an elevation of 695 metres. From here, views extend across the Zigoitia valley to Vitoria-Gasteiz, with the Montes de Vitoria in the background. The scenery adds a distinct landscape perspective to a visit to the church and historic routes. One seasonal natural feature is the roaring of stags during the rut: from Manurga, you can reach places where they can be heard in this area.

From Vitoria-Gasteiz, you can reach Manurga via the N-622 towards Bilbao, the A-3608 and then the A-3610 towards Gopegi. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether the church and its art, the short Goikobidea circular trail or the climb to Gorbeia will be the main focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Alaiza, Maturana, Viñaspre, Guinea, Bujanda, Oion, El Campillar, Navaridas.

For the main travel overview: Alava.