Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Encina

The Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Encina is one of Alava's most amazing and most attended temples.

According to an inscription found in the building, it was erected in 1498. The building has three naves that show Gothic and Renaissance features.

The Gothic style is to be found in the cross ribbed vaults that cover the naves, supported by ogival arches. The vaults over the side naves are polychromed. The Renaissance style, on the contrary, is shown in the choir and the Santo Cristo chapel, built by Pedro de Oribe Salazar.

Finally, the main altarpiece, of Spanish-Flemish Gothic style, accommodates the venerated image of Nuestra Señora de la Encina. The temple was built by a holm oak which is now 500 years old. Legend has it that the Virgin appeared on this spot.

Type: Sanctuary. 

Style: Gothic-Renaissance.

Period: 16th century. 

Car park: There is free parking space near the Sanctuary.