Añes – Dolmen and Romanesque heritage at the foot of the Sierra Salvada

Two megalithic dolmen were discovered on the plain known as Las Campanas in Añes. The Orduña–Añes stage of the GR-284 leads to the dolmen of Añes. Thus, this location brings together a specific archaeological site and a marked section of the long-distance hiking trail.

Culture

The Iglesia de San Vicente de Añes is a church in the immediate vicinity of Añes. The monastery or church of San Vicente in Añes was donated in 1049 by Diego Porcelos, Count of Castile, to the monastery of San Félix de Oca. The Romanesque tympanum of San Vicente de Añes is one of only five Romanesque tympana preserved in Álava. It is located in the former main entrance of the church. The present-day church of Añes is an 18th-century reconstruction. This reconstruction altered the form of the former Romanesque church. The layout of the former Romanesque church was also altered. The history of the building therefore encompasses both the donation of 1049 and the later reconstruction, while the tympanum in the former entrance recalls the Romanesque construction phase.

Nature

Añes lies at the foot of the Sierra Salvada. Eskutxi is a mountain in the immediate vicinity of Añes. Aro is also a mountain in the immediate vicinity of Añes. Ungino is a mountain in the immediate vicinity of Añes. Ponata is a mountain in the vicinity of Añes. These mountains place the town within a landscape at the foot of the Sierra Salvada and form the geographical surroundings in which the paths and historic sites are located.

Hiking and cycling

The GR-284, the Camino Real de la Sopeña, is a long-distance hiking trail that connects the Mena Valley in Burgos with Orduña. From Añes, the GR-284 leads towards the medieval town of Artziniega. Along this route, the San Miguel River is crossed. The Sojo Valley is also crossed. Route 24 reaches Añes at kilometre 25.87. Ruta 24 is a mountain route 42.89 kilometres long, with 1,463 metres of elevation gain and five passes. To put the routes into context, both the connection between the Mena Valley and Orduña and the specific course via Artziniega, the San Miguel River and the Sojo Valley are therefore mentioned.

Museums

The Museo Taurino is a museum in the wider surrounding region of Añes. The Bilboko Itsasadarra Itsas Museoa / Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao is also a museum in the wider surrounding region of Añes. The Museo Diocesano De Arte Sacro is likewise a museum in the wider surrounding region of Añes. The three institutions mentioned complement the local dolmen and Romanesque heritage with museums in the wider surrounding region of Añes.

Other places

If you would like to explore more places in the same destination area: Castillo-Sopeña, Corro, Viñaspre, Labastida, Murga, Urizaharra, Elciego and Araia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Alava.