Laguardia, Álava

Laguardia
Laguardia
Location within Basque Country
Laguardia
Laguardia (Spain)
Coordinates: 42°33′12″N 2°35′6″W / 42.55333°N 2.58500°W / 42.55333; -2.58500
Country Spain
Autonomous community Basque Country
Province Araba/Álava
Eskualdea / ComarcaRioja Alavesa
Founded1164
Government
  MayorJosé Manuel Amézaga (PP)
Area
  Total
8,108 km2 (3,131 sq mi)
Elevation
630 m (2,070 ft)
Population
 (2018)
  Total
1,505
  Density0.19/km2 (0.48/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
01300 / 01308 / 01309 / 01321
WebsiteOfficial website

Laguardia (Basque: Guardia) is a town and municipality located in the southern province of Álava, in the north of Spain; it belongs to the region of Rioja Alavesa, in the Basque Autonomous Community. It had a population of 1,500 as of mid-2018.

The place lies over a hill and it is surrounded by a wall that King Sancho the Strong ordered to build. There are still preserved five different entries to access the city. Their names are: Mercadal, Carnicerías (Butchers), Páganos, San Juan and Santa Engracia. Additionally, the streets and surroundings of Laguardia still keep a medieval atmosphere that give the city an ancient touch.

Regarding the economy, its main strength is the wine industry. Indeed, the wine is elaborated and processed in numerous wineries.