Palace of Montehermoso (Vitoria-Gasteiz)

The Renaissance in Álava is expressed above all in the construction of palaces and stately homes. There are several reasons for this: firstly, the largest centres already had their temples built; secondly, the end of the wars sent the wealth of the lords into fortified houses or buildings that showed their power... all contributing to the 16th and 17th centuries being considered as the Golden Age in Álava.

Also important from this period are the CHURCHES at Elciego, with its façade flanked by two different towers, and at Moreda de Álava, in the Rioja Alavesa.

Palace of Bendaña (Vitoria-Gasteiz)

As for PALACES, the following can be visited: in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Bendaña Palace, today home to the "Fournier" Playing Cards Museum of Álava; the Palace of Escoriaza-Esquivel, built in part on the old wall and with a beautiful plateresque doorway, the Palace of Montehermoso, which is distinguished by its balconies and turrets and was once the Bishop's Palace and the Palace of Villa Suso.

We will also find an abundance of STATELY HOMES in the Rioja Alavesa, (Villabuena, Elciego, Elvillar, etc.). Highlights in the province include the PALACE of the Lazarraga Family (Zalduondo); that of Larrako (Lezama) and the Palace of the Murga Family from the 14th century, which surrounds a 13th century tower with marked defensive objectives. Also in the Valley of Ayala are the outstanding towers of Ortiz de Molinillo and Velasco, in Artziniega, from the late 16th century.

Altarpiece of Santa María (Moreda de Álava)

Baroque architecture is mostly represented in the extensions of some temples, and very especially in altarpieces. Examples are the porch of San Juan in Salvatierra and the tower and façade of the Parish of la Asunción (Labastida), one of the best from this period. Also belonging to this style is the altarpiece of the Church of San Miguel (Vitoria-Gasteiz), the work of Gregorio Fernández, as well as those of the churches of Respaldiza, Heredia, Elburgo and Samaniego. Very especially worth highlighting is the magnificent altarpiece of the Church of Santa María (Moreda de Álava) and as an example of civil architecture, the Town Hall of Labastida, in Italian style.