The dolmen was discovered accidentally by a local farmer while he was plowing his vineyard.
The structure takes its name from the local legend that a witch (hechicera) lived inside the stone chamber.
The name 'Chabola' refers to the hut-like appearance of the stone chamber, which locals used as a temporary shelter before its archaeological value was understood.
The interior of the chamber still retains portions of the original 'corridor' or passage that led to the burial area.
Carbon dating of the recovered human remains confirms the site was in use across several centuries during the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods.
The limestone slabs used to build the structure were transported from nearby rocky outcrops, demonstrating significant engineering effort for the time.
Chabola de La Hechicera is one of the most significant and well-preserved dolmens in the Basque Country, dating back to the late Neolithic period. It consists of a polygonal burial chamber composed of nine large limestone slabs, or orthostats, topped by a massive capstone. The monument was discovered in 1935 and subsequently excavated between 1936 and 1944. Archaeologists recovered remains of dozens of individuals alongside grave goods including flint tools, pottery fragments, and personal ornaments. The structure is oriented along an east-west axis, typical of megalithic funerary architecture in the region. It is situated in the Rioja Alavesa wine-growing area, surrounded by vineyards. The site provides tangible evidence of ancient communal burial practices in the Ebro Valley. It serves as a focal point for understanding the social complexity of Neolithic populations in northern Spain.
Position yourself at the eastern side of the dolmen to capture the full length of the burial chamber with the vineyards in the background.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes as the site is located on uneven, unpaved vineyard terrain.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is almost no natural shade around the monument.
Combine this visit with a stop at the nearby village of Elvillar for a broader historical context.
Do not attempt to walk through the surrounding vineyards during harvest season without local permission, as paths are private.
Do not climb on the stones or enter the burial chamber, as these actions accelerate erosion and damage the structural integrity of the ancient site.
