Aprikano: Bridge, local history and landscape along the Baias

Aprikano lies at the southeastern end of the Kuartango Valley, where the Baias passes through the Portillo de Tetxa on its way towards La Ribera. The village is on the river’s left bank, at the foot of the Sierra de Badaia. For travellers looking for a hotel for a stay in Aprikano, these geographical features and the historic buildings offer different points of interest: the river and valley landscape sit alongside local history reflected in the bridge, church and houses.

Location and orientation

Those entering the valley through the Paso de Techa reach Aprikano as the first village. Another landmark is the Aprikano Bridge, located at the end of the path towards Orduña. Together, the pass, valley and bridge give a sense of the village’s location, although they do not describe the same route.

The riverside landscape also has a special connection with nature. As of 20 April 2022, Orthotrichum casasianum was considered an endangered moss. It is found along a 20-kilometre stretch of the river, from the Lukiano Bridge to the Aprikano Bridge. Nearby is Gobaederra, a speleological site where tools, human remains and necklaces have been found.

Bridge and historic buildings

The well-preserved Aprikano Bridge dates from the 14th or 15th century. Its five arches comprise four pointed arches and one round arch, bringing two different arch forms together in a single bridge. A typical heraldic farmhouse at the entrance to the village once displayed an old sign showing the name of the village to those arriving from Orduña.

The written history of the village also goes back a long way: Aprikano is mentioned by this name as early as 1257 in a document issued by the Bishop of Calahorra. In the 16th century, the former post house was known as El Mesón de Aprícano. A Casa-Torre in Aprikano is also documented for the year 1595.

Numerous heraldic houses bear the coats of arms of the Eguíluz, Andas, Montoyas and Ortiz de Luna families, as well as those of other families. Santiago Parish Church reveals another layer of history: it was originally built in the 13th century and includes a chapel dedicated to Saint John, dating from the second half of the 16th century. The building history here therefore spans the original church and a chapel added later.

Daily life and rural heritage

Aprikano’s rural heritage also includes buildings with practical uses. A mill with overflow channels was used to irrigate the vegetable gardens. There is also a restored fountain with a livestock watering trough. These details complete the picture conveyed by the bridge, church and heraldic houses: in Aprikano, historic architecture sits alongside traces of village life.

The bridge and dated buildings offer a glimpse into architectural history, while the river, Sierra and nearby Gobaederra provide a landscape and archaeological context.

Discover more destinations: Gurendes, Laserna, Oion, Maestu, Guinea, Goiuri-Ondona, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Amurrio

For the main travel overview: Alava.