Laguardia: Discover its architectural history and wetlands

Laguardia combines architectural and archaeological history with a nearby wetland complex. If you’re looking for a hotel in Laguardia, you can plan your stay around whether you’d like to explore historic sites, go for a walk, or watch birds. The sights and route information differ in their history and location, offering various points of interest for your trip.

Architectural history in Laguardia

The Church of Santa María de los Reyes is located in the north of Laguardia. Construction began in the late 12th century in the Romanesque style and was completed in the 15th century. The church features Gothic and Renaissance elements, with individual Baroque elements added during later renovations. It therefore reflects several distinct phases of architectural history rather than belonging to just one period.

The Church of San Juan Bautista is incorporated into the city walls and the defensive tower that protects the city gate. The Torre Abacial is a square castle tower that served to defend Laguardia’s western walls. Its design is inspired by Romanesque towers in northern Italy and the Catalan Pyrenees. The church, wall, and defensive tower should be considered as separate architectural features: the Torre Abacial is characterized above all by its square shape, defensive function, and architectural parallels.

Archaeological traces and their dating

At the archaeological site of La Hoya, the first settlement dates back to the 15th century BC. At that time, Indo-European populations from Central Europe came into contact with the megalithic cultures already present in the region. Following the arrival of the Celtiberians, La Hoya developed into an important trading center and center of territorial organization, thanks to their technical and economic innovations. The resulting increase in agricultural productivity encouraged barter. La Hoya therefore offers evidence of both early settlement and later economic and territorial importance.

Another archaeological feature is the Celtiberian water basin in Laguardia. It is thought to have been built and in use between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. This date is tentative. The Dolmen de la Huesera has been restored, and its fallen capstone was returned to its original position. These examples add different archaeological features to the settlement’s history: a water basin and a dolmen with a restored capstone.

The nearby Complejo Lagunar de Laguardia

The protected biotope Complejo Lagunar de Laguardia is located in the vicinity of Laguardia. It comprises four wetlands. Three are naturally formed endorheic lagoons that hold water seasonally: Carralogroño, Carravalseca, and Musko. The fourth is Prao de la Paúl, an artificial freshwater wetland. To distinguish between the different parts of the area, you can therefore tell the three natural lagoons apart from the artificial wetland.

The wetland system contains at least five habitat types of community interest and at least twelve different bird species. Numerous migratory birds also visit regularly. These features make the area appealing to travelers who would like to include nature observation in their stay. Prao de la Paúl is particularly suitable for a visit: a path runs alongside it, and there are areas where you can easily watch birds.

Walking and planning visits

For hikers, the first stage of the GR-38 long-distance trail is relevant: it runs from Oyón to Laguardia. A path runs alongside the Prao de la Paúl wetland. These two details offer different points of reference for planning: the GR-38 stage is defined by its start and end locations, while the path alongside Prao de la Paúl provides access to birdwatching. No walking time or route length is specified.

You can currently book guided tours in Laguardia through the tourist office, or by phone or email using the contact details provided there. Check the contact options before your trip. This allows you to include a guided tour in your plans while deciding whether to focus your stay on the buildings, archaeological sites, long-distance trail, or nearby wetland.

Discover more destinations: Bernedo, Pinedo, Sobrón, Lapuebla Labarka, Gurendes, Legutio, Maestu, Molinilla.

For the main travel overview: Alava.