Oyón-Oion

Oyón-Oion is the southernmost region of Araba/Álava, bordering the province of La Rioja to the south, Navarre to the northwest, and Yécora/Iekora, Lanciego/Lantziego and Laserna (Laguardia) to the west.

It has a population of 3,618. The climate is Atlantic-Mediterranean, and the area is protected by the Toloño and Kodés mountains. It covers a surface area of 45.08 square kilometres and lies at an altitude of 440 metres.

The municipality is home to 40% of all the businesses in Rioja Alavesa. There is no great industrial diversity, with the sectors most widely represented being ‘metal product manufacturing’ (44.6%) and ‘chemicals’ (23%). There are also some businesses dedicated to ‘storage and warehousing’ and ‘machinery manufacturing’, both accounting for 8%. Another important sector is ‘Graphic Arts’.

The industrial sector is constantly evolving in the industrial areas (Logroño Road, Santa Lucía Road, Camino Viejo Street, El Puntido/Pamplona Road) where there are 7 industrial estates (Azunaica, Garama, Los Castaños, Prado de Santa Lucía, Iruñebide, Los Fresnos, Arlucea, Saraso and Betolaza) close to the town centre.

This was an important milestone on the first route along the Way of St James. In 1634 it became a villa.

The historic centre offers a varied display of heraldic symbols that demonstrate its medieval past and preserves stately homes of great historical value. The baroque tower of the church of Santa Maria is the slenderest in the Rioja Alavesa, is crowned by a church tower weather-vane with the silhouette of a weaver. Many of the traditional celebrations are still held.