Urizaharra between the Middle Ages and the Toloño slope

Urizaharra (Peñacerrada) combines a medieval town center with a location on the slope of the Sierra de Toloño. When looking for a hotel in Urizaharra, you can first consider whether historic buildings, the landscape, or nearby routes should be the focus of your trip. Local highlights include a Romanesque church, a 17th-century palace, and a geologically remarkable amber deposit.

History in the town center

The historic center has a medieval urban layout that can be seen in the street plan. Its archaeological zone was entered into the General Inventory of Basque Cultural Heritage in 1996 as a cultural asset in the Monumental Ensemble category. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción was built in the 13th century; its south portal also dates from this period and is Romanesque. The Palace of the Dukes of Hijar, built in the 17th century, stands in Plaza de los Fueros. The townscape thus brings different periods into view: the church and portal point to the 13th century, and the palace to the 17th century. The parish church musealization project opened in November 2003.

Hillside setting and geological distinction

Peñacerrada lies on the slope of the Sierra de Toloño and on the ascent to Puerto de Herrera in the direction of Rioja. This location connects the town both to the mountain range and to the pass toward Rioja. Another distinctive feature concerns the history of the Earth: the Peñacerrada amber site is one of only five known Cretaceous amber deposits worldwide. Alongside its historic buildings, the Toloño hillside setting and Cretaceous amber deposit therefore represent different aspects of the destination.

Walking routes, surroundings, and access

The area around Peñacerrada offers numerous routes and trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and cyclists. The sixth stage of the GR 1 passes through the upper Inglares Valley between dense beech forests and leads to Peñacerrada. It is a specific reference point if hiking is the focus of your trip; the surrounding routes also cater to mountain bikers and cyclists.

Another nearby point of interest is the Herrerías waterfall. It can be reached from the neighboring municipality of Berganzo, following the Inglares River. The A-2124 is the main access road to Peñacerrada; it leads there from Vitoria-Gasteiz, from Rioja Alavesa, and from Logroño. When planning your trip, you can consider the town’s history and activities in the surrounding area as different focal points.

October 6 is listed as the feast day in Peñacerrada/Urizaharra in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary. If you plan to travel around this date, check the festival details for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Lasarte, Abornikano, Zambrana, Ibarguren, Murga, Añes, Gopegi, Molinilla.

For the broader travel overview: Alava.