Valderejo: In search of the griffon vulture

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Valderejo

Before getting into nature, it is worthy stopping at some interesting points placed on both sides of the road L-662 which takes us up to Lalastra, the entrance to the nature reserve.

It is unforgivable going past Villanañe without visiting the big fortified tower that stands out in the horizon. It is Varona’s tower-palace, a clan whose surname has a curious origin. Mrs. María Pérez captured the King Alfonso I el Batallador (“the Fighter”) as prisoner. When he discovered the lady’s bravery, the king stated that she should be called “varona”(masculine). And so it was.

Varona’s Palace-Tower is from the 14th Century what has become the best-preserved fortification in Álava. The tower, the crenellated wall and the moat attract the visitor’s attention. It is also recommendable visiting its inside.

On the other side of Villanañe, a small detour will take us up to the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Angosto (Our Lady of Angosto). The image of the Virgin is placed in a wonderful Renaissance altarpiece that stands out in a sober temple initiated in the 14th Century. Attention should be paid to the practical step shape of the nave.

Tradition says that in a narrow cave near the Tumecillo river, the Virgin appeared to a shepherd. It is worth visiting the Sanctuary and walking behind it up to the Gruta de la Aparición (the Apparition’s Cavern), close to the quiet river. Once on the L-622 we will go past Villanueva de Valdegovía, where we can look for some of the 16 existing hermitages or artificial caves.

When you enter in Valderejo, you have to leave your car in Lalastra. You will be informed, at the Natural Reserve Interpretation and Information Centre, about the different hikes along this green valley surrounded by a semicircular rampart of limestone walls. The most spectacular route is the one that follows the Purón river, but in all of them you will enjoy a rich vegetation and with a little bit of luck, and of patience you will catch sight of squirrels, hares, wild boars, roe deers and even griffon vultures, symbol of the Valderejo Natural Reserve. Starting from the abandoned village of Ribera, the Purón river, that flows into the Ebro, opens a gorge that extends up to Herrán, a town located in Burgos.