VALLE SALADO DE AÑANA

The history of this town is intimately linked to salt, which has represented its main wealth for centuries. Its salt springs have attracted more than one conqueror but, finally, it is Alfonso I who gives him the status of city and it gets fueros from 1140, making it the oldest city in the region of Alava. Declared cultural heritage and historic monument, the Salines saltworks extend over more than 120 ha and constitute the largest indoor salt marshes in Europe, with a complex of 5 000 platforms supported by wood structures that adapt to the course of the river Muera. The process of obtaining salt occurs through evaporation, and therefore takes place during the summer months.

The salt trade, which once allowed food to be conserved, quickly declined in the late 1960 s. Today, on a very small scale, salines are re-valued for their historical importance and the process of rehabilitation of this whole has begun. This is a magnificent show that must not be missed.

Historic quarter. A beautiful medieval quarter of this city, which, in its time, has been marked by a wall, of which there is only a vague memory near the municipal pediment. Today, you can enjoy a few baroque palaces, such as Los Herrán and Casa Palaciega de los Ozpinas, as well as Blasonnées houses. You can also visit the church of Santa María de Villacones, of the th century, with its Renaissance altarpieces and the image of a medieval native Virgin, Andra Mari.