Town hall building with modern facade and clock in Álava. Javier Mediavilla Ezquibela, CC BY 3.0

Laudio/Llodio

Basque Country

18,077Population
37.56 km²Area
13 mElevation
01400Postal code

Laudio, also known as Llodio, is a municipality in the province of Álava, located in the Basque Country. It is recognized as a significant industrial center and is the second most populous municipality in Álava, following Vitoria.

02Geography

Laudio is situated in the northwest of Álava, within the Ayala Valley, and is bordered by the province of Bizkaia. The municipality covers an area of 37.56 km² and has an elevation of 13 meters above sea level. The Nervión River flows through Laudio, supported by various streams, and the surrounding mountains include notable peaks such as Kamaraka and Goikogane.

Climate
Oceanic, temperate and humid
Annual precipitation
1078 mm

03History

The historical origins of Laudio are somewhat unclear, but it features remnants such as the medieval bridge of Vitorica, which dates back to Roman times. The name Laudio is believed to have evolved from the Latin 'Claudius' or 'Claudianus', reflecting its long-standing heritage.

Laudio, a key industrial municipality in Álava, Basque Country, is known for its rich history and vibrant local culture.

04Cultural Heritage

Laudio boasts several significant cultural landmarks, including the Church of San Pedro de Lamuza, which showcases a blend of architectural styles from different centuries. Other notable sites include the Sanctuary of Santa María del Yermo and the historic Casa-torre de Ugarte.

Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Yermo in Llodio with stone tower and facade.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Yermo in Llodio, featuring its stone tower and facade in a natural setting.
Herrizo Square with benches, people, and Llodio Town Hall.
Herrizo Square and Llodio Town Hall in Álava, with benches and people enjoying the public space.

05Festivals and Traditions

Laudio celebrates a variety of local festivals that reflect its cultural heritage. The Carnival features a unique character known as the Bruja de Leziaga, while San Blas and the Easter Friday livestock fair highlight traditional customs. The festivities of San Roque are particularly notable for their length and community involvement.

Laudio/Llodio · Data
Province
Álava
Autonomous community
Basque Country
Population
18,077
Area
37.56 km²
Elevation
13 m
Postal code
01400
Website
http://laudio.eus/
Coordinates
43.1511, -2.9561

Photos

Glass factory with modern structures and river in the foreground.
Vidrala glass factory in Llodio with modern structures and a river in the foreground.
San Pedro de Lamuza church in Llodio with tower and clock.
San Pedro de Lamuza Church in Llodio, with its tower and clock in the town square.
San Pedro de Lamuza parish church in Llodio, with tower and clock.
San Pedro de Lamuza parish church in Llodio, with its tower and clock in the town center.
Stone bridge with sculptures and coats of arms in Llodio, Álava.
Anuntzibai Bridge in Llodio, Álava, with sculptures and coats of arms on the structure.

Map

Nearby

Street with lampposts, trees, and houses in Zubiaur neighborhood, Orozko.
Orozko
Biscay · 2,666 inhabitants
Stone building with a red tiled roof in Oquendo, Álava.
Okondo
Álava · 1,184 inhabitants

Own text, written with AI assistance from the facts in Wikipedia · Laudio/Llodio · Data: Wikidata Q676903 · Photos: Wikimedia Commons, see individual licenses. · CC BY-SA 4.0