Torre-Palacio de Guevara or Gebaratarren dorretxea is one of the most fascinating medieval noble residences in Álava and an important reminder of the power once held by the Guevara family, one of the most influential noble lineages in the Basque Country. The palace stands in the small village of Guevara (Gebara), at the foot of the hill where the old Castle of Guevara once dominated the surrounding landscape.
The Guevara family played a major political and military role in medieval Basque history. Originally linked to the Kingdom of Navarre, the family already appears in historical records during the 13th century and became one of the leading noble houses of Álava. During the violent Band War conflicts that divided Basque noble families in the late Middle Ages, the Guevara lineage led the Gamboino faction, traditionally opposed to the Mendoza family and the Oñacino faction.
The palace was built between the late 14th and early 15th centuries as a fortified residence. Originally, the complex had a rectangular layout with four corner towers, defensive walls, and a large central courtyard containing a cistern. Only part of the structure survives today, but visitors can still appreciate the scale and strategic importance of the residence.
The history of the palace is closely connected to the turbulent history of the Basque Country. During the Carlist Wars in the 19th century, both the nearby castle and the palace suffered sieges and heavy destruction. Much of the complex was left in ruins, although part of the northwestern tower and sections of the walls were restored in the 20th century.
Today, the ruins have been adapted for visitors and form part of an attractive historical and hiking area surrounded by the landscapes of the Llanada Alavesa. The site can easily be combined with a walk to the nearby ruins of the Castle of Guevara, which offers spectacular panoramic views over the plains and mountains of Álava.
Updated on May 22, 2026
