Virtual Exhibition: Archaeology and Cultural Landscapes of Labastida (Basque Country)
Year: 2026
Type: other
Abstract: Archaeology and Cultural Landscapes of Labastida (Basque Country) presents the results of recent archaeological research that has transformed our understanding of the historical development of Labastida and its surrounding rural landscape in the Rioja Alavesa region. Through excavations, architectural studies, landscape archaeology, and the analysis of historical documents, the exhibition reconstructs more than 1,300 years of human occupation and environmental interaction. The exhibition explores how successive communities shaped the territory from the Early Middle Ages to the present day. It examines the origins of the medieval town of Labastida, the strategic role of its castle, and the evolution of settlements, churches, agricultural systems, and communication routes. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between archaeological remains and the cultural landscape, demonstrating how vineyards, terraces, paths, and historic buildings preserve the memory of past societies. Several case studies illustrate the diversity of archaeological evidence. These include the deserted village and necropolis of Torrentejo (Santa Lucía), the medieval cemetery of Labastida, the Church of Santa Lucía, and the agrarian spaces surrounding the settlement. Excavations have uncovered buildings, burials, ceramics, coins, metal objects, and architectural remains that provide valuable insights into everyday life, religious practices, economic activities, and the organisation of rural communities. The exhibition also highlights the importance of archaeological heritage for understanding and preserving cultural landscapes. Rather than presenting monuments as isolated elements, it emphasises the interconnected history of settlements, agricultural production, natural resources, and human adaptation over centuries. By combining archaeological discoveries with historical, architectural, and environmental research, this virtual exhibition offers a comprehensive narrative of Labastida’s past. It demonstrates how archaeology contributes not only to reconstructing historical events but also to interpreting the evolution of cultural landscapes that continue to define the identity of the Basque Country today.
Author: Quirós Castillo, Juan Antonio
Institution: University of the Basque Country
Language: Basque
Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7169811962