Arkaia in Álava – Roman Baths, Church and Trails

Arkaia is home to the best-preserved Roman thermal complex in Álava. The baths formed part of the important Roman settlement of SUESTATIUM, which stood on the Iter 34 road between Astorga and Bordeaux.

Other places on the same level are Araia, Barrón, Murgia, Elciego, Viñaspre, Zambrana, Maestu and Campezo / Kanpezu.

Culture

At the archaeological site of Arkaia, the remains of walls and rooms from the ancient Roman baths are visible. In addition to the baths, the site includes remains of an Iron Age settlement. The Roman thermal complex included a palaestra for exercise and outdoor activities.

The main altarpiece of the parish church of the Nativity of Our Lady dates from the 18th century. The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady is an important item of medieval cultural heritage in Arkaia. In the 16th century, it was completely remodelled in a Gothic style typical of the region and extended along the south wall of the former Romanesque church.

In the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, the archivolts of the Romanesque portal, decorated with acanthus leaves, have been preserved and can be seen from the staircase leading to the tower. The large baptismal font in the Romanesque church has geometric decoration on its bowl, featuring interlaced circles and eight-pointed stars.

Puente De Arkaia 1 belongs to the protected monumental complex of bridges in the Zadorra basin. Palacio Diaz De Arcaya/Ajuria Arcaya is listed in the protected monumental complex of the Camino de Santiago; the entry is dated 27 January 2012 in the BOPV.

The church therefore preserves architectural elements from both the Romanesque and Gothic periods. The portal archivolts, the baptismal font, the altarpiece and the later remodelling belong to different periods in the history of the church. Several historical layers also converge at the archaeological site: alongside the Roman baths are the remains of the Iron Age settlement, while the palaestra complemented the original thermal complex.

On the Way

A tourist route from Vitoria-Gasteiz leads to the Roman baths of Arkaia. For a visit to the Roman baths, a 4 km circular green route along the Errekaleor River and Cerro de las Neveras is recommended.

The green route to the Roman baths of Arkaia takes approximately one hour and is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The green route begins at the “Antonio Amat Maiz, 5” bus stop on bus route L7.

The former A-132 road between Arkaia and Elorriaga was converted into a path and landscaped; it forms part of the Green Ring trail network. A circular route is 14.3 km long and takes approximately three hours by bicycle or 4.5 hours on foot.

The Camino de Santiago leads from Ascarza to Arcaya.

To the overview of the wider travel region: Alava.