The Best Sight in Laguardia, The Basque Country, Navarra, and La Rioja

Background Illustration for Sights

Starting from the 15th-century Puerta de Carnicerías, or Puerta Nueva, the central portal off the parking area on the east side of town, the first landmark is the 16th-century ayuntamiento, with its imperial shield of Carlos V. Farther into the square is the current town hall, built in the 19th century. A right turn down Calle Santa Engracia takes you past impressive facades—the floor inside the portal at No. 25 is a lovely stone mosaic, and a walk behind the triple-emblazoned 17th-century facade of No. 19 reveals a stagecoach, floor mosaics, wood beams, and an inner porch. The Puerta de Santa Engracia, with an image of the saint in an overhead niche, opens out to the right, and on the left, at the entrance to Calle Víctor Tapia, No. 17 bears a coat of arms with the Latin phrase "Laus Tibi" (Praise Be to Thee).

Santa María de los Reyes

Fodor's Choice

Laguardia's architectural masterpiece is this church's Gothic polychrome portal—one of a kind in Spain. Protected by a posterior Renaissance facade, the door centers on a lovely, lifelike effigy of La Virgen de los Reyes (Virgin of the Kings), sculpted in the 14th century and painted in the 17th by Ribera. The colorful depictions of the life of Christ made the Bible stories accessible to what was historically a largely illiterate peasantry. Guided tours are available by prebooking only; email the Laguardia tourist office, and be sure to specify your language ( [email protected]).

Calle Mayor 52, Laguardia, 01300, Spain
94-560--0845
Sight Details
€4
Reservations via the tourist office only

Something incorrect in this review?