Laguardia

Laguardia is the capital of Rioja Alavesa, a walled town that has preserved almost unchanged the medieval street plan laid out when it was established in the 10th century as a defensive stronghold for the Kingdom of Navarre. Its narrow lanes, original gateways and stretches of surviving walls offer a vivid sense of the town's medieval past, framed by buildings ranging from Romanesque to Neoclassical in style.

The church of Santa María de los Reyes stands out among its monuments: its oldest sections date from the 12th century, and its polychrome portal, painted in the 17th century, is regarded as one of the most remarkable works of medieval Basque art. The church of San Juan Bautista houses a notable Baroque high altarpiece, among other pieces of religious art. The Casa de la Primicia, from the 14th century, is the oldest surviving civic building in the town.

Yet Laguardia cannot be understood without its wine culture. Beneath its streets and across the surrounding landscape, wineries reflect centuries of viticulture in the region, some housed in striking contemporary buildings. This blend of historic heritage and wine tradition defines the town's identity and its central role in Rioja Alavesa.