set on a terrace at the entrance of the forest. It dates from the 12th century, possibly at the same time as the birth of Vitoria, and it was built in a Romanesque style. Originally this building was dedicated to Saint Andrew, and reconstructed from the remains of an 8th-century. It underwent a refurbishment, and parts of the inner structure were modified, though it retained its apse and other isolated elements such as its original door. The church was built with a Latin cross layout; the vaults over the apse and crossing of its two arms are of special interest. The bases of the arches of the second of these vaults contain sculptures of the evangelists. The capitals of the church are decorated with plant and animal motifs, as well as war scenes between landers and centaurs. The atrium maintains some of the remains of the original doorway. After being dismantled, stones from the doorway were embedded in the walls in a disorderly fashion: the tympanum of the Lamb and that of Christ with the Apostles and the bas-reliefs of the Descent of Christ into Hell and the Sepulchre of Jesus, represent one of the best Romanesque sculptural groups in the Basque Country. Further projects Armentia is part of the Green Belt of Vitoria-Gasteiz, together with Salburua, Olarizu, Alegria, Zabalgana, Errekaleor and Zadorra. The last two decades Due to the numerous fires and erosions of land in the forest, the park of Armentia experienced a very precarious state of conservation. The Provincial Council of Alava decided to restore and to renew the forest, introducing new species of plants, in order to improve the park. The maples, rowan trees, cypresses and many other species date from that period. In the 90-s, the forest went through several bonfires and degradation because of accumulation of rubbish, excessive number of pathways and tracks and numerous eroded and flooded areas. After joining up the Green Belt, the first work consisted of restructuring the network of paths, improving the main tracks and closing the smaller ones, and the creation of a network of pathways for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The areas where the degradation had left marks were considerably restored, by introducing car parks on the entrances to the park. Finally, two main sitting places were created. See also Vitoria-Gasteiz Basílica de San Prudencio de Armentia Salburua External links Vitoria-Gasteiz City Hall Green Belt -