Molinilla’s archaeological sites include the San Miguele Necropolis, the Dolmen de la Mina and Asentamiento de La Mina. They offer different perspectives on the area: a description of a location, a chronological and monumental classification, and a suspected site classified as an open-air settlement. If you are planning a trip with an interest in culture, you can use these distinctions to set your own priorities.

Archaeological sites and their classification

The San Miguele Necropolis is located in Molinilla on a hill at around 600 metres above sea level, west of Barrio de Arriba. The approximate elevation and location west of Barrio de Arriba provide a concrete topographical reference for this site.

The Dolmen de la Mina is also located in Molinilla. Its chronological classification covers the Chalcolithic, or Eneolithic, as well as the Bronze Age. Chalcolithic and Eneolithic are alternative names; the classification also includes the Bronze Age. It is therefore useful to bear both period references in mind when considering its chronology. The dolmen also belongs to the monument ensemble of the Dolmens of the Álava Plain. Its chronological classification and membership in the ensemble are two different ways of providing context: one assigns the monument to several periods, while the other connects it to this ensemble.

Asentamiento de La Mina is an open-air settlement and is classified as a suspected archaeological site. This differs both from the dolmen as a monument type and from the necropolis, which has a specific topographical location. The names therefore represent different archaeological categories. If you are interested in cultural history, you can consider when planning your trip whether you are primarily looking for a location, monument type, chronological classification or settlement connection.

MTB map reference and route

A 2018 map shows Molinilla in the Euskadi MTB route area depicted. This is a map reference for orientation when mountain biking. Check current trail signage and conditions before setting out.

A route between Molinilla and Caicedo-Yuso passes through the suspected archaeological site of Poblado de San Miguele. Check the current condition of the route before planning to take it. Also note the exact name: the route reference mentions Poblado de San Miguele; the site described above is called the San Miguele Necropolis.

Plan your stay in Molinilla

This information can help you answer two different questions when choosing a place to stay: Would you like to plan your trip around the archaeological sites, or does MTB orientation play a role in your choice of destination? If you are looking for holiday apartments in Molinilla, match your choice of location to the purpose of your planned trip. You can then use your specific accommodation criteria to compare options.

Discover more destinations: Elciego, Lukiano, Lezama, Maturana, Bujanda, Añes, Viñaspre, Artziniega.

For the wider travel overview: Alava.