Urizaharra, also known as Peñacerrada, combines a medieval town layout with a hillside setting on the Sierra de Toloño. In the historic centre, the layout is apparent in the street pattern; the surrounding area offers numerous routes and paths for hikers, mountain bikers and cyclists. The town’s history and outdoor activities thus offer two different sides to a stay.

Medieval Town Layout and Architectural History

The archaeological zone of the historic centre was entered into the General Inventory of Basque Cultural Heritage in 1996 as a Cultural Property in the Monumental Ensemble category. The town centre also has a medieval layout that is apparent in its street pattern. These two aspects complement one another: the street pattern reveals the medieval layout, while the listing gives the zone its cultural and historical classification.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built in the 13th century. Its south portal is Romanesque and also dates from the 13th century. The Palace of the Dukes of Hijar stands in Plaza de los Fueros and was built in the 17th century. Together, the church and palace offer a comparison between medieval architectural history and a building from the 17th century. The parish church’s musealisation project was also inaugurated in November 2003.

A Geological Glimpse of the Cretaceous Period

The Peñacerrada amber site offers a different timescale: it is one of only five known amber deposits from the Cretaceous Period worldwide. While the church, portal and palace provide insights into the town’s history and architecture, this geological feature turns the focus to the history of the Earth. Very different periods thus sit side by side, from the Cretaceous Period to the historic buildings.

Trails, Forest and Waterfall

The surrounding area has numerous routes and paths for hikers, mountain bikers and cyclists. Stage 6 of the GR 1 passes through the upper Inglares Valley and dense beech forests, reaching Peñacerrada. This named stage can be distinguished from the more general opportunities for mountain biking and cycling. Herrerías Waterfall is another destination nearby. It can be reached from the neighbouring municipality of Berganzo by following the Inglares River.

Location and Getting There

Peñacerrada/Urizaharra lies on the slopes of the Sierra de Toloño and on the ascent to Puerto de Herrera in the direction of Rioja. The main access road is the A-2124, which leads to the town from Vitoria-Gasteiz, Rioja Alavesa and Logroño. Both its mountain setting and the approach routes are useful reference points for finding your way. The route to the waterfall described above, by contrast, starts in Berganzo and follows the Inglares River—a separate point of interest nearby.

A Date to Help Plan Your Trip

6 October is listed as the feast day in Peñacerrada/Urizaharra in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the event schedule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Lagran, Bilar, El Campillar, Artziniega, Leza, Maturana, Apodaka, Aprikano.

Back to the regional travel overview: Alava.