Torre Abacial

The Torre Abacial is a defensive tower and part of the urban wall of Laguardia, located in front of the front of the church of Santa María, in the Plazuela de Santa María in the historic center of Laguardia (Álava). It is part of the medieval walled complex of the town and is integrated in one of the most representative heritage sites of the historic area. Its origin dates back to medieval times, with an initial construction attributed to the 12th century and, according to some tourist and heritage sources, with later phases between the 13th and 14th centuries. It is described as a work of Romanesque tradition, with possible additions or Gothic transformations, which explains the mixture of styles that some references show. The tower has a square floor plan and is built in ashlar and ashlar masonry. It has several floors, with the lower levels more closed and the upper ones more open by means of openings; in its interior there is a room covered with a ribbed vault and a spiral staircase that allows ascending to the upper terrace. Its function was defensive on the western flank of the town, although it has also been related to an ancient ecclesiastical or monastic use due to the presence of the image of San Benito and the tradition that links it to a possible fortified monastery. The Historic Center of Laguardia has been declared a Qualified Cultural Asset with the category of Monumental Complex, which protects this element within the protected heritage of the town.