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Laguardia is one of the most perfectly preserved
medieval villages in Spain.
It is also located right in Rioja wine country and is the perfect base
for your wine tour of Spain's
most well known red wine region. Laguardia is a medieval hill hamlet
(called "villa" in Spanish), reminiscent of Tuscan hilltop
villages. It is surrounded by an ancient wall, and has a delightful
jumble of cobblestoned streets lined with "Tabernas", wine
shops, palaces, and cafes. Laguardia was founded in the year 1164 by
King Sancho Abarca, and the spectacularly preserved wall dates back
to the 15th century. The entire village became protected as Patrimony
of Spain in 1964. The name "Laguardia" originates from "La
Guardia de Navarra", the "Guard" of Navarra, referring
to its strategic importance in the kingdom of Navarre.
Before
the medieval village was built (as we can see today), deep tunnels were
carved out in the hill and the village
of Laguardia was
actually underground. The tunnels were used as a defence tactic, but
over the centuries came to be used to store wine and eventually to even
make wine. In 1486, Laguardia was incorporated into the Kingdom of the
Catholic Monarchs (Isabel and Ferdinand), who would unite the kingdoms
of Castille and Aragon in 1492, to form what is now "Spain",
and the village was built on top of the existing village. The medieval
wall was erected as were many aristocratic palaces, many of them restored
and still standing. In the 19th century, much of the medieval wall was
destroyed during the "Carlista" wars and the War of Independence.
These
days, Laguardia is a wealthy hamlet, full of gourmet restaurants, charming
small hotels, beautiful views over vines and the amazing backdrop of
the Cantabrian Mountains. When you visit Laguardia the important
thing is that you eat and drink well. A visit to Laguardia is like stepping
back in time, and the village is simply one of the loveliest places
you could hope to visit in Spain.
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