Torre Fuerte (S.XIII)

It is a keep tower with over 800 years of history. We need to go back to the beginning of the year 1200 when the López de Haro family (lords of Vizcaya) and Don Diego López III de Haro (founder of the town of Bilbao) ordered the construction of the fortress in Baños de Rioja, as they considered it a strategic place to defend the entrance to the Oja valley. Originally, it had two strong towers, surrounded by a large wall with defensive bastions and a moat. The complex was part of a series of fortifications that were spread throughout the Rioja Alta, to protect themselves from raids and sieges of the time. Of that original construction, only this fortress remains standing today.

Due to its characteristics, it corresponds to the prototype of a Gothic tower in the region. It has thick ashlar walls of 1.70 m. thickness, a rectangular plan, and 19m. height. It preserves all its original arrow-slit windows on the ground floor and the second floor, as well as bifurcated windows, semicircular and pointed arch windows, and vaulted windows with stone seats on both sides. (festejadores)

The Strong Tower was in a deplorable state of deterioration and abandonment when its current owners, lovers of stones and sensitive to heritage, acquired it and decided to save it from ruin. After five years of complicated restoration-rehabilitation work, and always respecting the construction and decorative arts of the time, they managed to enjoy this symbolic and beautiful building loaded with historical value, turning it into a unique tourist accommodation, which is declared a Historical Heritage according to Law 16/1985.

Rooms and equipment

A comfortable elevator provides direct access to each of its four spacious and beautiful suites, of 35m2, and located one on each floor of the tower, they can also be accessed by a spiral staircase of wrought iron.

All have heating, TV, mini-bar, desk, musical equipment, free Wi-Fi, kettle with tea & coffee service, king-size beds, extra bed, crib available, and a complete bathroom with a hairdryer and courtesy products.

On the ground floor, or "noble floor," is the lounge, where breakfast is served, and an ideal setting for reading a book or playing a game of chess. In winter, you can enjoy a wood-burning fireplace and medieval music.

At the top of the tower, we can enjoy a beautiful terrace-solarium, with stunning views of the Oja valley and the surrounding mountains, the Obarenes mountains, the Cantabrian mountain range, and the Sierra de la Demanda, crowned by the San Lorenzo peak (2,300 m.), the "roof of La Rioja."

All the rooms in the tower are decorated with a marked medieval style, taking great care of every detail, every corner, and every ornament. The tower is a medieval art exhibition. Plaster stuccos painted in tempera on its ceilings, painted fabrics hanging from its walls like tapestries, medieval ceramics of minstrels and knights, as well as numerous shields, helmets, stained-glass windows, and beautiful murals representing medieval scenes, inspired by the canticles of Alfonso X "The Wise." All made by hand (of own design and manufacture).

COME TO THE MAGICAL MIDDLE AGES, THIS MEMORY WILL REMAIN INSIDE YOU FOREVER!!

Location and surroundings

Nestled in Baños de Rioja, a quiet and friendly village in the Rioja Alta, it is a strategic place to get to know the whole Rioja. It is close to all points of interest and is perfect to enjoy, relax, and disconnect.

Some of the activities available include:

• WINE TOURISM: visits to wineries, vineyards, wine tastings, lunch in a winery...
• MONASTERIES: Casalarreiana, S. Millán de la Cogolla, Cañas, Nájera, Valvanera... .....
• ROMAN ROUTE: Treviana, Romanesque between the River Tiron and the Obarenes mountains....
• CASTLES ROUTE: Sajazarra, Cuzcurrita, Davalillo, Leiva, S.an Vte. de la Sonsierra...)
• MUSEUMS: Dinastía Vivanco, Museo del Torreón, Casa de las Ciencias, Würth, Museo de la Romanización ....
• LA RIOJA ALAVESA: Laguardia, Elciego, Labastida, Samaniego, Oyón....
• LOGROÑO: Cathedral, Revellín Wall, C/Laurel.....
• EUSKADI: Vitoria-Gasteiz, Guggenheim Bilbao ....
• ADVENTURE SPORTS: Hiking, skiing, golf, hot air balloon flights, horseback riding through vineyards, canoeing on the Ebro, mountain biking, greenways, the Camino de Santiago...

There is a wide range of activities available to get to know the rich cultural, gastronomic, and natural heritage of the area.

GUIDED VISITS ARE OFFERED TO THE 13TH CENTURY FORTRESS-TOWER - "A WALK THROUGH THE MIDDLE AGES"

The visit allows interested individuals to explore the history, restoration, and rehabilitation of this "medieval jewel," which is over 800 years old and has been declared Historical Heritage.

Guided visits are available from Monday to Wednesday (except holidays, long weekends, and high season), as long as no one is staying in the tower. The visit lasts approximately one hour.To consult availability, timetables, and other information, it is essential to contact the phone numbers 941300193-615765885 or send a message to the following email: info@torrefuerterural.com.