A Little About Cirauqui

Photo by Cachirri photography

The Basque for Cirauqui means "nest of vipers," 

and it's a toss-up whether the name refers to house serpents or bandits!

As you walk, pay attention to the many 16th to 19th century mansions with coasts of arms and other beautiful decorations over the doors. 

Photo by Madill

This pretty hilltop village is full of balconied houses on twisted alleys, 

and lots of steps to climb. 

There is at least one nice little tienda here, 

where you can get snacks and drinks.

According to Gitlitz, the village grew in three stages:  

in the 9th century around the church of San Román; 

in the 10th and 11th century on the hillsides south of the church on San Román; and in the 14th century around the churhc of Santa Catalina.  

You climb to the high churches through a Gothic arch in the old city wall. 

Both churches are worth visiting.

Sam Román Portal

Next to the San Román's portal is a Civil War monument 

sporting a list of Cirauqui's soldiers who fell 

"for God and for the Fatherland."