Discover Manurga

Manurga combines local history and architecture with opportunities to explore the surrounding area. If you are looking for a destination with a historic walking route, a distinctive parish church and views across the landscape, you will find several specific points of interest here to help plan your trip.

Location and getting there

Manurga sits on a prominent hilltop at an altitude of 695 metres. From there, views stretch across the Zigoitia valley to Vitoria-Gasteiz and the Montes de Vitoria in the background. Its elevated location and outlook give the village a distinctive landscape setting. To get there from Vitoria-Gasteiz, take the N-622 towards Bilbao, then continue on the A-3608 and finally the A-3610 towards Gopegi.

The parish church of San Martín

Construction of the present-day parish church of San Martín began in 1520; it was completed in the 19th century, together with the portico. Its structure is Gothic, with Baroque alterations. The floor plan is cross-shaped, with a polygonal apse built of solid masonry. Inside is a main altarpiece in the Churrigueresque style. The Verástegui Chapel has a coat of arms on the wall and an elaborately crafted screen.

The artworks associated with San Martín also tell the story of the church. The church is home to a 17th-century Cristo Expirante: the sculpture is Hispano-Filipino, carved from ivory and polychromed. A cope kept at the parish church of San Martín in Manurga was donated to the chapel of Santo Cristo de la Expiración after 1732. Both objects add an artistic and historical perspective to the architectural details.

Historic connections and Goikobidea

Manurga lay on a busy medieval route linking Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia via Araba/Álava, passing through Zigoitia and Zuia. The Izubarri Bridge is also accessible from Manurga; the local administrative authority had it renovated in 2018. This local history can be combined with the Goikobidea circular route, which starts and ends in Manurga and offers a walk through the village’s cultural heritage.

Goikobidea is a short, easy circular route. Along the way are natural features, historical remains and ruins of traditional workplaces. This clearly distinguishes the route from the climb to the summit of Gorbeia: Manurga is one of the starting points for this summit hike.

Forests and nature experiences

You can explore the forests in the area around Manurga. Manurga also provides access to places where you can hear the roaring calls of deer during the rut. Alongside the village’s architectural and historical attractions, nature watching is another distinct focus.

A date for the calendar

Manurga’s patron saint’s day is celebrated on the feast of Saint Martin, 11 November. The date is another link to the parish church of San Martín and adds a living local tradition to the village’s historical and architectural highlights.

Discover more destinations: Murgia, Artziniega, Lapuebla Labarka, Bilar, Pinedo, Elciego, Araia, Legutio.

For the broader travel overview: Alava.