Zambrana: Castles, Churches and Festivals

Cultural heritage in Zambrana

Zambrana is known for its medieval fortified heritage and is therefore referred to as a municipality of castles. The Church of Santa Lucía is in the centre of the present-day town. Other points of interest are in Ocio and Berganzo: Castillo de Lanos is in Ocio, and the parish church of San Miguel is in Berganzo; both places are within the municipality of Zambrana. Castillo de Portilla was also built within the municipality. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to distinguish between the town centre and the other places.

Churches, a washhouse and Romanesque details

Santa Lucía was built as a chapel in the 16th century. The church was expanded after it was granted parish church status in 1621. This highlights two distinct stages in its construction history: its origins as a chapel and its later expansion after becoming a parish church. The year 1621 marks the change in status, not the date when the original building was constructed.

The washhouse is at the edge of Zambrana, on the road towards Portilla. It is away from the central location of the Church of Santa Lucía. According to its description, the Crismón de Zambrana is one of the rare Romanesque chrismons in the Álava area, where there are only four in total.

The parish church of San Miguel in Berganzo houses a reredos in the Romanist style. The two churches have different points of interest: Santa Lucía is notable for its construction history, while San Miguel is notable for its reredos. This can help you decide whether you are more interested in the development of a church building or in a specific feature of its furnishings.

Castles and walking route

Castillo de Portilla, known in Basque as Zabaletako Gaztelua, was built in the 11th century within the municipality of Zambrana. Castillo de Lanos, by contrast, is in Ocio, also within the municipality and in the province of Álava, on a high rocky ridge. The recommended walking route from Ocio to Castillo de Lanos is about 900 metres long. For Portilla, the construction period is a notable point of reference, while for Lanos, the rocky ridge, its connection to Ocio and the approximate route length provide a more specific picture.

Festivals throughout the year

Zambrana’s village festival is held every year on the last weekend of July. The Remember de Zambrana is held annually on the third Saturday in September. The recurring dates therefore differ not only by month but also in their format: the village festival takes place over the entire last weekend of July, while the Remember is held on a Saturday. If you would like to plan your trip around either event, check the exact date before travelling.

Practical information

Zambrana also has a service area for motorhomes next to the municipal frontón and the mill park. If you are arriving by motorhome, check the current operating status before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Berganzo, Legutio, Urturi, Lalastra, Molinilla, Villanañe, Barrón, Hueto Arriba.

For the regional travel overview: Alava.