PLACE: Salvatierra-Agurain (Alava)

Salvatierra, capital of the Cuadrilla of Salvatierra-Agurain, is set in the heart of the eastern Llanada, an area of flat lands separated by hills and hillocks, where the scenery varies slightly from one to another. Situated almost on the border with Navarre, between the Entzia and Urkilla mountains, the town is one of the best collections of Alava history, with numerous examples of its magnificent past.

It was founded by King Alfonso X 'The Wise' of Castile in 1256 over the hamlet of Hagurahin, and hence its present name of Agurain. It was walled and has been the scene of the majority of important events that have taken place in the province.

The town has an excellent medieval centre, which was declared a Historical Monumental Centre in 1975. It is made up of three main narrow paved streets. The Calle Mayor is the central street and houses the most interesting historical buildings. It has always had this name and is divided up into three parishes- Santa María, Medio and San Juan. The Calle Carnicería street got its name back in the 16th Century, as it had the local butchers’ stores. Finally, we find the Calle Zapatari street, the name which it has officially received recently and is in reference to the group of shoemakers.

Also, special mention must be given to the large number of palaces built between the 14th and 17th Centuries, that are found in the town. The 14th Century Casa de las Viudas (Widows’ House), the Casa de los Azcárraga, the Casa de Begoña, Casa Bustamante or Beltrán, all portray the wealth of the town and how well it has been governed for centuries.