Maturana: Routes and Village History

Surrounding Maturana are fields, gentle hills, woodland, and traditional rural paths. The routes described offer different highlights: a signposted Nordic walking route connects several villages, a walking route leads to the Garaio viewpoint, and another tour is listed as 8.5 km long. This variety helps you factor the landscape and the kind of outing into your plans. You can choose between a route connecting several villages, one with a named destination, and a route with a specified distance.

Walking and Nordic Walking Routes

The signposted Nordic walking route connects Gebara, Maturana, and Etura. It runs along rural paths, agricultural land, and short stretches of woodland in the heart of Barrundia. The three named villages and the varied landscapes give the tour its distinctive character. If you plan to take this route, bear in mind that signage and trail conditions can change; check both before setting out.

The walking route from Maturana to Garaio follows the old path by the reservoir and leads to the Garaio viewpoint. On the return, the route follows the path through Mendixur Park. The viewpoint and return route are the defining features of this tour. If you would like to include the viewpoint in your walk, you can also plan your return via Mendixur based on this route.

Another walking route is 8.5 km long. It crosses the hills of Maturana towards the extension of the Ullíbarri-Gamboa Reservoir. The stated distance and direction help you fit this tour into your day’s plans. By contrast, the route to Garaio is distinguished by its viewpoint and return through Mendixur Park. Route details for walking trails can also change; check the current route before setting out.

Village History in the Town Center

The Church of San Martín de Maturana is in the town center. Historically, families gathered there and celebrated important life events. The name Maturana is first documented in 1012 and appears again in the Reja de San Millán of 1025. These two dates provide a specific timeframe for the early history of the name.

Maturana’s covered cemetery was built with stones from the former Ermita de San Miguel. It is unique within the province of Álava. It was used as the village cemetery from 1811 onward. The church and cemetery therefore offer different perspectives on the village’s history: communal life events and the use of the cemetery as a village burial ground.

Traveling by Bus

Alegría Hermanos’ regular bus route 8 runs from Vitoria to Maturana. Schedules may differ in August and on public holidays. If you plan to travel by bus, check the schedule for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Lukiano, Quejana, Añana, Goiuri-Ondona, Laguardia, Viñaspre, Lezama, Labastida

For the broader travel overview: Alava.