Dolmen of Sorginetxe (Arrízala)

The importance of the PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENTS in Álava can be appreciated in the settlements and megalithic monuments, the latter perfectly conserved.

Notable are those of Castros de Lastra (Caranca-"Cuadrilla" of Añana) and Buradón ("Cuadrilla" of Laguardia-Rioja Alavesa), which from their beginnings in the Iron Age, remained inhabited until the Middle Ages. The settlement at La Hoya (Laguardia), also dates back to this period, and today it has a museum that illustrates its origins. There are some magnificent DOLMENS scattered around the territory. Outstanding examples include: Aizkomendi (Eguilaz), with the original cover weighing over 10 tonnes; Sorginetxe (Arrízala), where digs unearthed proof of its funerary nature until the Bronze Age. Close to Laguardia and also noteworthy examples are: Layaza (Leza), San Martín (Páganos), El Sotillo (Laguardia); La Chabola de la Hechicera (Elvillar) and Los Llanos (Kripan), all with a corridor to the chamber.

La Chabola de la Hechicera Dolmen (Elvillar)

Conserved in the Entzia Mountain Range, over 4,000 years old, are the Menhir of Itaida and the Cromlech of Mendiluze.

Prehistoric people also left their mark in the CAVE PAINTINGS like those that can be seen at Solacueva de Lakozmonte in Jokano.