Alava
Alava, Basque Country - Overview:
The natural heritage of Alava province is tremendously diverse. It is home to the capital of the Basque Country - Vitoria (or Gasteiz as it is known in Basque). Alava has a special charm, seeming almost to be surrounded by a halo of peace and tranquility that captures the hearts of visitors to this province.
Alava has one of the highest percentages of green areas per inhabitant in the whole of Europe and, as visitors stroll along wide avenues decorated with beautiful gardens and buildings, they are reminded of the grandeur and stateliness of a by-gone age. Medieval quarters come alive with charming little corners, gardens and tree-lined boulevards. The area's medieval origins is reflected in a great deal of ancient heritage from churches to palaces and ancient family homes.
Remains from Roman times are also to be found in the Santiago way, which passes through Alava. Used through time as a meeting point, it still retains its legacy as a crossroads for different routes. However, travellers passing through nowadays are far more tempted to rest a while in this fabulous province.
Alava, Basque Country - History:
The origins of Alava are uncertain, although it seems highly likely that it could date back to over two thousand years BC, when Noah's legendary grandson, Tubal, reached this area.
According to ancient records the so-called Tubals crossed the Pyrenees and came down onto the plains to settle in Navarre and Vasconia. Some experts claim this would have been the origin of Euskera, the peninsula's first language.
In Paleolithic times, hunters and even farmers inhabited these lands. This can be seen in the numerous remains scattered throughout the province, many of which are now on display in the Archaeological Museum of Alava (pottery, weapons, and cave paintings, among other artefacts).
The civilizing power of the Roman conquest reached the area early, at the start of the Christian era. We know that the Roman presence and influence were widespread, more so in Alava than in the northern territories, probably because the land was more hospitable and easier to travel through.
Evidence of the Roman presence on the Alava plain is abundant: tombstones; thermal baths such as those in Arcaya; the Trespuentes bridge over the Zadorra River and the Roman road, or oppidum, at Iruna, just 11km from Vitoria.
After centuries of 'Romanisation' and Christianity, the much feared but also beneficial Muslim invasion reached this area. At that time, Alava occupied a frontier position, with all the advantages and disadvantages this entails. It lay between two very different cultures: the Christian population to the north engaged in the Re-conquest, and the people of the south who had become Arabic. These inhabitants were perhaps attracted by a more refined culture, commercial development and new technological advances.
From that time on, the history of the lands of Alava merged with and became part of the passage of History itself. The Middle Ages, post-Conquest and Re-conquest were turbulent times. The decades filled with conflict and uncertainty, wars and a continuous struggle between the monarchies of Navarre and those of Castile.
Alava, Basque Country - Out & About:
The small, pleasant local hamlet of Argomaniz is a pleasant village for an evening stroll and the Ullibarri Gamboa reservoir is not far away. Argomaniz has a rich history as Napoleon rested in the palace before attacking the town of Vitoria/Gasteiz during the Peninsular wars. The city of Vitoria/Gasteiz is approximately 8km away and the recommended places to visit are Santa Maria Cathedral, Escoriaza-Esquibel Palace, Villa Suso Palace and the city's old quarter. Also in the city there are museums of Arms, Fine Arts, and Natural History. This is the area of fine wines with Rioja Alavesa the centre of the Rioja wine producing area.
August is the area's main 'fiesta' month. On August 4 Alava celebrates the Feast of the Virgin Blanca of Vitoria/Gasteiz. After the religious celebrations the partying continues long into the night. In San Sebastian on the 8th the Semana Grande (great week) is celebrated and on the 15th the the fun moves to Bilbao which celebrate its own Semana Grande.
Various outdoor activities are available on the reservoirs of Gorbea, the Natural Park of Garayo or the Valderejo Natural Park which is a nature reserve. A host of recreational facilities available in the area include canoeing, golf, horse riding, mountain biking, paragliding, trekking, sailing and water-skiing.
Alava - Our holiday accommodation and service:
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