Villanañe lies near the courses of the Omecillo and Tumecillo rivers. As you explore the area, you can discover different periods and themes side by side: early settlement history, religious heritage, traditional interiors, and a recreation area amid dense woodland. This mix makes the area’s key attractions easy to distinguish: Monte Medropio represents archaeology, Angosto a sanctuary and landscape, and the Torre de los Varona historic interiors.

Archaeological Traces at Monte Medropio

On the slopes of Monte Medropio in the Barrio de Arriba district of Villanañe stood a settlement dating from the Late Bronze Age or Iron Age, which continued to be inhabited during the Roman period. Unlike the medieval church of the Santuario de Angosto, this site focuses on a much earlier period of settlement. This makes it possible to distinguish different periods in the area’s history at its cultural sites.

Recreation Area and Encina Juradera

The Angosto recreation area is one kilometer from the center of Villanañe, next to the Santuario de Angosto, and can be reached by road. It is set amid dense woodland around the centuries-old Encina Juradera. This tree, considered a remarkable specimen, has been preserved; gatherings were held beneath it. The recreation area thus brings together the landscape and memories of past gatherings.

The Santuario de Angosto

The Santuario de Angosto lies in the Villanañe area, on the Tumecillo, and is a place of pilgrimage and religious devotion. Its Gothic church was built in the first half of the 14th century. Inside is a six-panel altarpiece depicting the story of the Virgin Mary. The complex also includes a restored parish temple and an apparition grotto by the river. The architecture, the story of Mary, and the grotto each reveal a different facet of this religious complex.

A procession leads to the apparition grotto, followed by meals and traditional dances. If you would like to include this occasion in your travel plans, ask locally for the dates.

Torre de los Varona: Directions and Interiors

The official route to the Torre de los Varona leads from Vitoria-Gasteiz via the N-1 toward Madrid, then along the A-2622, followed by a turnoff to the complex near Villanañe. Check local conditions before setting out. Inside, traditional rooms retain their furnishings, wallpaper, ceramics, and kutxak chests. Unlike the early settlement at Monte Medropio, the focus here is on the rooms and their preserved details.

Cycling Services and Group Visits

The reception point of the Valderejo-Añana MTB Center is located at the Angosto campsite. Bicycle repairs and information about various routes are available there. For cyclists, the center combines bike services with help choosing a route.

The Oficina de Información de Valdegovía offers individually arranged visits for groups. If you would like to include this option in your plans, check availability and booking conditions there.

Discover more destinations: Añana, Moreta, Manurga, Hereña, Páganos, Lukiano, Lasarte, Eskuernaga.

For the broader travel overview: Alava.