Lagrán facts for kids
Lagrán (which is Lagran in the Basque language) is a small town and municipality in northern Spain. It's located in the Basque Country, specifically in the province of Álava. The name Lagrán comes from words that mean "on the meadow" in Spanish.
This charming town sits in a valley in the southern part of Álava. The Ega river starts its journey right here! Lagrán is about 756 meters (2,480 feet) above sea level. Just 3 kilometers (about 2 miles) away, you can find mountains that reach up to 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) high.
The area around Lagrán is full of different kinds of animals and plants. Farmers here grow potatoes and various cereals, both for selling and for eating. You'll also see many forests around the valley. With only 126 people living there, Lagrán is thought to be the oldest village in Álava. Many of its residents are around 70 years old.
The mayor of Lagrán also looks after two other nearby towns: Villaverde (just 1 km away) and Pipaón (7 km away). Lagrán is the biggest of these three towns. Villaverde became quite famous because it's the hometown of the grandfather of a well-known author, Eva Garcia Saenz de Urturi. Her popular "White City" books mention the town.
Contents
History of Lagrán
We don't have much information about Lagrán from very early times. However, the first time the name "Lagrán" appeared in official papers was in 1165. Back then, it wasn't considered a full village. It wasn't until 1515 that Lagrán officially became known as a village.
Later, in the 15th century, Lagrán joined the lands of the Count of Salinas. After that, it became part of the lands belonging to the Dukes of Híjar. This meant it wasn't an independent village anymore.
Population Changes
Lagrán used to be a larger or more typical-sized village. Over time, its population has become much smaller, making it a very tiny village today.
Places to Explore
Lagrán might be small, but it has a few interesting spots! There's a café right next to the fronton, which is a special wall used for playing Basque pelota games.
About 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) from the town center, you'll find the Saint Bartolomew hermitage. Near here, there's a special area where people can camp. Many groups of teenagers use this spot during the summer.
The town also has a church called Iglesia de la Natividad (Church of the Nativity). It's built on the highest point in Lagrán, offering great views!
Outdoor Activities and Hiking Trails
If you love being outdoors, Lagrán is a great place for you! You can play traditional Basque sports like bowl or Basque fronton, cestapunta, and frontennis. There are also courts for futsal (indoor soccer) and basketball.
The area is surrounded by many mountains, perfect for climbing or just going for a walk. There used to be a 9-hole golf course near town, but it closed in 2013. Now, the closest golf course is in Urturi, about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) away.
Lagrán is famous for its amazing hiking trails, each with something unique to see:
Senda De Las Carboneras (A-PR-50)
This path goes from Lagrán to Cruz del Castillo. Long ago, it was used by traders to move goods between the Cantabrian Sea ports and the people of Rioja. They would trade things like oil, bread, and wool for coal, lime, potatoes, and fish. Along this trail, you can see three displays that show how charcoal was made. Making charcoal was a very important part of the valley's history and culture. You'll also enjoy walking among many different types of trees.
Senda Del Lavadero (A-PR-51)
This trail starts at Lagrán's old laundry area. As you walk, you'll see signs explaining the different plants and animals that live in the valley. You can also find an old place where lime was made and the remains of a sawmill in the mountains.
Senda Del Monte Jaundel (A-PR-52)
On this path, you'll learn about the landscape and see artificial lakes that farmers made for their animals. You'll also pass a mountain that sits between two villages and was used for trading in the past. Look out for different animal and plant species. There's even a curious old machine called "El Burro" (The Donkey) that was used to carry thin pieces of wood to where charcoal was made.
Senda De Lagrán A Pipaón (A-PR-53)
This trail connects Lagrán to the nearby village of Pipaón. It follows part of an old road and crosses an old watering lake called "La Salmuera." Then, it goes into a forest filled with many beech trees. Along the way, signs explain different animals and plants. You can also see what's left of an old clay quarry. The trail explains how beech trees were used for business and shows an old hydroelectric generator. You might even spot birds from a special observatory! In Pipaón, you can visit the Ethnographic Museum, which is run by the Usatxi Cultural Association.
Senda De San Bartolomé (A-PR-54)
This trail leads to a camping area perfect for groups. It has tables, benches, barbecue spots, and a shelter with beds, electricity, toilets, and showers. However, you need to ask the Lagrán town hall for permission to use it. This spot is a great starting point for exploring all the other trails. This route is especially fun for young people because it's a bit of a hidden gem with many interesting signs along the way.
Senda De Lagrán A Villaverde (A-PR-55)
This route starts the same way as the Senda Del Lavadero (A-PR-51). It passes by the old golf school (which closed in 2013) and ends in Villaverde. Along this path, you'll find signs explaining the local plants like beech and oak trees. It also tells you about the small animals (like rodents) and birds of prey that live in the area.
Feasts of Lagrán
Lagrán celebrates several special days throughout the year:
- New Year's Day (January 1st)
- Holy Week (Semana Santa)
- San Bartolomé (around August 24th, which is the main day of this big celebration)
- Day of the March (December 7th)
- Christmas Eve (December 24th)
- Christmas Day (December 25th)
- New Year's Eve (December 31st)
See also
In Spanish: Lagrán para niños
