Arkaia: Roman Baths and Church Art

Roman archaeology in Arkaia and medieval religious architecture form distinct areas of interest. In planning a trip, these different themes sit side by side: the history of the ancient settlement, the architectural history of the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, and routes to the Roman baths. This lets you tailor your stay to the interests that matter most to you.

Roman Baths and an Earlier Settlement

Arkaia is home to the best-preserved Roman thermal complex in Álava. The baths were part of the important Roman settlement of SUESTATIUM, located on the Iter 34 road between Astorga and Bordeaux. This connection places the archaeological site within the historical landscape of the Roman road network.

At the archaeological site, you can see the remains of walls and rooms from the ancient baths. It also includes remains of an Iron Age settlement. This means that evidence from two different periods can be found side by side here, without confusing the Iron Age remains with the later thermal complex. The Roman baths also included a palaestra, an area for exercise and outdoor activities. It adds a place for physical activity outside the bathing areas to our picture of the baths.

Church Architecture and Medieval Details

The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady is an important part of Arkaia’s medieval heritage. In the 16th century, it was completely remodeled in a Gothic style typical of the region and built onto the south wall of the earlier Romanesque church. The church therefore preserves evidence of both its Gothic transformation and its Romanesque architectural elements.

These elements include the archivolts of the Romanesque portal. They are decorated with acanthus leaves and can be seen from the stairs leading to the tower. Another detail is the large baptismal font: its bowl is decorated with geometric patterns of interlaced circles and eight-pointed stars. The main altarpiece adds another period to the building’s history; it dates from the 18th century. Together, the architecture, portal and baptismal font offer different perspectives on the church, from its architectural development to the decoration of individual features.

Other Protected and Historical Connections

Puente De Arkaia 1 is also part of the protected monument complex of bridges in the Zadorra river basin. A route runs from Ascarza to Arcaya.

Routes to the Baths and Through Green Spaces

A tourist route from Vitoria-Gasteiz leads to the Roman baths of Arkaia. A 4 km green circular route along the Errekaleor River and Cerro de las Neveras is also recommended for visitors. You can combine a stretch of the route with a focus on archaeology, while the church’s architectural history offers another way to explore the area.

The green route to the baths takes about an hour and is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. These practical details may change; check them before your visit. The route starts at the “Antonio Amat Maiz, 5” bus stop on line L7. As transport details can change, check the current route network before traveling.

A section of the former A-132 road between Arkaia and Elorriaga has also been converted into a path and enhanced with landscaping. As of June 2026, this path was part of the Green Ring network. It is another point of reference for planning if you would like to include a stretch of path in your trip alongside the historical heritage.

If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Arkaia, the baths, the church’s architectural history and the routes can provide a thematic focus for your stay. First decide which of these aspects you would like to include in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Hereña, Samaniego, Gorbeia Inguruak, Bilar, Pinedo, Caicedo-Sopeña, Manurga, Hueto Arriba

For the broader travel overview: Alava.