Okina, Spain facts for kids
Okina (pronounced O-KEE-na) is a small village in the Basque Country of Spain. It's part of the Bernedo area, in the province of Álava. Okina is about 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz. In 2014, only 29 people lived there.
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Where is Okina Located?
Okina is high up, about 794 meters (2,605 feet) above sea level. It sits in a valley at the bottom of the Vitoria Hills. The River Ayuda flows through Okina. This river then goes through a beautiful narrow valley called the Okina gorge, heading towards Sáseta.
Many hikers from Vitoria enjoy walking along the GR-38 long-distance path, which goes through this gorge. Okina is also a great starting point for climbing Kapildui peak, which is 1,177 meters (3,862 feet) tall. Cyclists often ride over the Puerto de Okina mountain pass to get to the village from Ullibarri de los Olleros.
What's in a Name?
The name "Okina" has been around for a long time. It first appeared in a very old document from 1025 called the "Cartulary of San Millán de la Cogolla". Later, in 1257 and 1258, it was also written as "Oquia" and "Oquina" in other records.
Okina's History
Long ago, at the start of the 1900s, a researcher named Enrique de Eguren found something interesting near Okina. He discovered an ancient burial mound, called a dolmenic tumulus. Inside and nearby, he found human bones, pieces of pottery, and arrowheads. These finds show that people lived in this area a very long time ago.
In 1073, King Sancho IV of Pamplona gave the Santa María church in Okina and all its land to a monastery. Over time, Okina grew into a village. It was part of a special group called a "royal fraternity" within Vitoria. Okina was the only village in this fraternity. It was run by a mayor, an assistant, and a councilor.
Important Buildings
Church of the Assumption of Our Lady
This church has a very old entrance from the 1200s, which is called early Gothic style. It also has a small altarpiece, which is a decorated screen behind the altar. The church was rebuilt in the 1700s, but it still has parts from its original structure from the late 1500s. The church tower is square and has three levels. The top level was added in 1884. Inside, the church is rectangular and divided into three parts. The first part has small chapels on each side. In the past, there were also small religious retreats called hermitages in the village, but they are gone now.
House of the Gaonas
Next to the river, there is a building known as the House of the Gaonas. This house has a special shield on it, which belongs to the Gaona family.
Population
In 2014, Okina had a total population of 39 people. There were 18 men and 11 women living in the village.
Festivals
The village celebrates its main festival on July 10th. This special day honors St. Christopher, who is the patron saint of travelers.
See also
In Spanish: Oquina para niños
