Aprikano lies at the southeastern end of the Kuartango Valley, where the Baias leaves the valley through the Portillo de Tetxa, heading towards La Ribera. When entering through the Paso de Techa, Aprikano is the first village in the valley. It lies on the left bank of the Bayas River, at the foot of the Sierra de Badaia. The village’s history and riverside landscape offer different points of interest for your trip: historic buildings define the village, while the surrounding area also offers natural and archaeological points of interest.

The Bridge of Aprikano

At the end of the route towards Orduña lies the Bridge of Aprikano. It dates from the 14th or 15th century and is well preserved. Its five arches comprise four pointed arches and one rounded arch. A pointed arch tapers to a point at the top, while a rounded arch forms a curve. This makes it possible to identify the bridge both by its medieval date and by a clearly described architectural feature. For travellers interested in historic architectural forms, it offers a tangible point of reference in the village’s history.

Church, Heraldic Houses and Historical Records

Aprikano is mentioned by name as early as 1257 in a document issued by the Bishop of Calahorra. The parish church of Santiago was originally built in the 13th century. It includes the Chapel of San Juan, dating from the second half of the 16th century. A former post house also offers a glimpse into the village’s history: by the 16th century, it was already known as El Mesón de Aprícano. A tower house in Aprikano is documented in 1595. The church, former post house and tower house thus represent different aspects of the past, from religious architecture to the village’s former functions.

Other architectural features include numerous houses bearing coats of arms. The coats of arms are attributed to the influential local families Eguíluz, Andas, Montoyas and Ortiz de Luna, as well as other families. On a typical heraldic farmhouse at the village entrance, an old sign indicated the village’s name to those arriving from Orduña. This picture of rural architecture is complemented by a mill with overflows for irrigating the vegetable gardens and a restored fountain with a livestock trough.

Riverside Landscape and Surroundings

The river landscape also connects Aprikano to a wider natural environment. On 20 April 2022, the Provincial Council documented the presence of the endangered moss Orthotrichum casasianum, which is listed in the Basque Catalogue of Threatened Species of Fauna and Flora. The moss occurs along a 20-kilometre stretch of the river, from the Bridge of Lukiano to the Bridge of Aprikano. The Bridge of Aprikano is therefore also the endpoint of this described stretch of river. Nearby is Gobaederra, a speleological site where tools, human remains and necklaces have been found.

When planning your trip, you can choose between different points of interest: the village’s architectural history, the riverside landscape or archaeological finds in the surrounding area. In the Kuartango Valley, you can also enjoy a traditional sidrería menu featuring produce from the valley. Check whether this option is available before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Lapuebla Labarka, Añes, Arkaia, Urturi, Bernedo, Manurga, Araia, Guereña

For the wider travel overview: Alava.