Leza lies in the northern part of Rioja Alavesa. It is bordered to the north by the ridges of the Sierra de Cantabria and to the south by the Navaridas plain. Holm oak groves, buildings from different periods and the Dolmen de El Sotillo give the area distinct historical and landscape features. There is also a specific point of reference for planning your time: the Samaniego–Leza–Samaniego route covers 20.1 kilometres as a round trip and takes six hours.

Holm Oaks and La Lombilla

The holm oak grove of El Encinedo is part of Leza’s northern landscape. To the east of the village is a young oak grove. Also to the east lies La Lombilla, a small hill where the village’s wineries are located. There is also a picnic area there, surrounded by centuries-old holm oaks.

The two oak locations have different features: in La Lombilla, centuries-old holm oaks line the picnic area, while the grove east of the village is young. This makes it possible to distinguish the landscape features by location and character. La Lombilla also combines the wineries with a specific place to take a break outdoors.

Church and Renaissance Houses

The Iglesia San Martín was built in the late 15th or early 16th century. Several architectural features meet at the church: pointed late Gothic arches, an Isabelline portal and a Baroque equestrian statue of Saint Martin. The statue was installed in 1694. The construction period and the later statue thus place different historical periods side by side in one building.

Leza also has remarkable historic architecture beyond the church. This includes outstanding 16th-century Renaissance houses adorned with coats of arms, as well as other stately buildings. Those interested in local history can therefore consider the Renaissance houses as a distinct point of interest alongside the church.

The Dolmen de El Sotillo and Its Finds

The Dolmen de El Sotillo in Leza dates from the Chalcolithic, or Copper Age, and the Bronze Age. It belongs to the group of monuments known as the Dolmens of the Álava Lowlands. Excavations uncovered Neolithic flint tools. Finds from the Chalcolithic include an archer’s wrist guard, a metal awl, arrowheads and Bell Beaker pottery; Bronze Age finds include vessel fragments decorated with zigzags.

The finds thus span several periods: from Neolithic flint tools to Chalcolithic objects and Bronze Age vessel fragments. The dolmen offers a different perspective on Leza’s history from the church and the Renaissance houses: here, the focus is on Stone Age and Bronze Age finds.

A Longer Route and Local Festivities

At 20.1 kilometres and six hours as a round trip, the Samaniego–Leza–Samaniego route takes up a substantial block of time. If you would like to include this outing in your travel plans, allow for the stated duration. This makes it possible to weigh the route as a distinct focus against the village’s historical and landscape features.

Two festivities also have specific dates. For the San Juan celebration, a fire is lit on the eve of San Juan Day, June 23. Once it has burned down to embers, chorizo and pork belly are grilled on it for everyone present. The patron saint’s festival in honour of Saint Roch takes place on August 16. If you are planning your trip specifically around either celebration, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Alaiza, Pobes, El Campillar, Bilar, Castillo-Sopeña, Hereña, Villanañe, Rivabellosa.

For the broader travel overview: Alava.