Bilar: Church, Dolmen and Landscape

A stay in Bilar can focus on different interests: the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the Baroque palace Casa del Indiano, the Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen, or the landscape between the Sierra de Toloño and the Ebro. A hiking trail leads from the town to the dolmen; occasional concerts and a performance around the August festival add to the possible activities. These themes may help you decide where to stay: architecture, prehistory or a hike each offer a different focus.

Church and architectural history

Construction of the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción began in the early 16th century on the site of the town’s former castle. Remains of the castle walls are still visible at the main portal. The church has a very tall hall nave with star-ribbed vaults. Its main altarpiece was created in the 16th century and gilded in the 17th century. The church’s architecture and furnishings can thus be distinguished chronologically: construction began first, followed by a later alteration to the altarpiece.

Palace architecture and prehistory

Casa del Indiano offers a different architectural landmark. The Baroque palace dates from the 18th century and is one of the notable examples of rural architecture in Rioja Alavesa. Compared with the church, whose construction began in the early 16th century, Casa del Indiano represents a distinctly later period.

The Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen is one of the most significant dolmens in the Basque Country; it is probably the largest and best-preserved dolmen in the area. It was built around 5,500 years ago and used as a collective burial site for several thousand years. Its history therefore reaches far back beyond the construction periods of the church and palace. When planning your trip, you can explore different historical periods here, from prehistory to buildings from later centuries.

Hiking trail and events

The SL-A 90 hiking trail runs from Bilar along a 1.5-kilometre section to the Chabola de la Hechicera dolmen. The entire route is 3 kilometres long, with both the start and finish in the town. These figures refer to the section leading to the monument and the total length of the hike, respectively. Check trail conditions locally.

On the eve of the festivities around the August festival, an Akelarre featuring a billy goat and witches is performed near the dolmen. If you would like to see this performance, check the event dates in advance; the specific programme may vary. Concerts are also occasionally held in the church. As concert dates may vary, it is worth checking the programme if a concert is important to your trip.

Landscape between the Sierra de Toloño and the Ebro

Bilar’s landscape stretches from north to south, from the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño to the Ebro. It includes agricultural land, ravines edged with riverside vegetation, and slopes with typical Mediterranean vegetation. Farmland, riverside areas and slopes add variety to the landscape alongside the buildings and the dolmen.

Plan a guided tour

Guided tours in Bilar are available by advance reservation. Agree on a date when making your reservation.

Discover more destinations: Castillo-Sopeña, Leza, Eskuernaga, Pinedo, Rivabellosa, Elciego, Lalastra, Lapuebla Labarka

For the wider travel overview: Alava.