There are pilgrims, who still feel the passion for adventure and enter Spain through one of the most sinister and dangerous mountain passes, which during the Middle Ages claimed many lives: the Paso de San Adrián.

Saved this one, the pilgrim's vision becomes an oasis of lustful splendor, reflecting the characteristics of the so-called Llanada Alavesa: a fertile and green land, dotted with picturesque villages, where legendary dolmens still survive and Romanesque churches with curious structures, not free of symbolism and mystery.

In places like Zalduondo, you can visit the old Lazarraga palace and see inside, not only ancient objects related to the Santiago's Way and the recently left Paso de San Adrián, but also a magnificent collection of relics that will put you directly in contact with the most intimate and cultural aspect of Basque traditions.

In places like Aitzkomendi and Arrizala, you will be able to see, in a more or less acceptable state of preservation, those mysterious funeral complexes, called by the name of dolmens, but popularly known as 'the witch's house', which carry sinister and ancient legends behind.

You will continue your route in the direction of Navarra, crossing the Sierra de Urbasa –mythical place, where the fantastic beings of the picturesque Basque mythology are still very present, such as the jentillak giants or the wild men of the forests, known by the name of baxajaum- and you will see that the names of many towns, such as Okariz, are related to the magical geese, symbolic messenger birds of the Santiago's Way.

You will also pass by legendary sanctuaries, such as the Nuestra Señora de Estibaliz and you will see remains of Roman tombstones reused as fillers in ancient pre-Romanesque hermitages in Alava, such as that of Elizmendi.

In addition, you will see a fantastic symbology in the churches, where Death is present along with the ancient knights, who did not always fight in the name of God and Christianity, and some made spear and sword, an extension of their own cruelty.

But be that as it may, the pilgrim will discover a wonderful universe of panoramic views, myths and rites, which will make his journey through the Llanada Alavesa an intense and authentic cultural experience, from which he will come out remarkably enriched.

Would you dare to try it ?. Because, remember, if you don't try… you will never know.

NOTICE: Both the text and the accompanying photographs are my exclusive intellectual property.