Argómaniz between the Camino de Santiago, history and nature

Culture and architectural history

Argómaniz combines significant buildings with the Camino de Santiago. The Ermita de San Pedro de Quilchano is a 13th-century Proto-Gothic hermitage in Argómaniz and belongs to the Monumental Ensemble and the Camino de Santiago category. The Palacio de Larrea in Argómaniz also belongs to the Monumental Ensemble and the Camino de Santiago category.

The Palacio de Larrea was built at the end of the 17th century. Its rectangular floor plan and hipped roof define its external appearance. The palace houses the Parador de Argomaniz, a tourism hotel in Argómaniz. The historic building thus represents both the architecture of the town and a specific use within the palace.

The parish church of San Andrés also leads into the history of Argómaniz. It is a 16th-century church with a cruciform floor plan and transept. Inside, there is a round arch that led to the Larrea chapel; the coat of arms of the Larrea family is mounted on the same arch. The chapel and the family coat of arms connect the church with the history of the Palacio de Larrea.

The Ermita de San Pedro de Quilchano also appears as a Romanesque temple with a straight chancel. Its main altar dates from the 18th century and was made by the sculptor Tomás Ramírez de Ocáriz and the gilder Manuel Rico. The Proto-Gothic and Romanesque features, along with the later work on the altar, thus belong to different historical contexts.

Landscape and routes

The Parador de Argómaniz can be reached via the A-1 Madrid–Irún at kilometre 364 and a turnoff. From the Parador de Argómaniz, the entire Llanada Alavesa can be seen. The landscape thus stretches between the individual historic building and the expansive view across the plain.

The Bosque-Isla de Argomaniz consists of several areas of woodland separated from one another by cultivated fields. From Argómaniz, the Bosque-Isla de Argomaniz can be reached on foot. Woodland and open farmland create a landscape with clearly recognisable transitions between wooded and cultivated areas.

The route from Argómaniz to Etxabarri-Urtupiña follows a paved road with very little traffic. It is designed as an out-and-back route and covers slightly more than 8 kilometres. For such route planning, the current condition of the route and local conditions can be checked before setting out.

Feast day and regional cuisine

Festivities in honour of Saint Andrew are held in Argómaniz on 30 November. The date is associated with the patronal feast of the parish church of San Andrés and gives the town’s annual cycle a fixed religious feast day. Anyone planning around this date should check the current event times before travelling.

At the Parador de Argómaniz, specialities made with products from the surrounding area are offered, including Idiazabal cheese, Gernika peppers and Alava potatoes.

For the overarching travel overview: Elburgo/Burgelu.