This exhibition seeks to generate reflection on the question “whose sea is it?” and to highlight the influence of the Basque Country in seven centuries of European expansion throughout the world’s oceans.
The people of Mutriku used to give the first whale they caught each year to the King of Castile. In 1200, Alfonso VIII granted this revenue to the religious and military Order of Santiago, a decision that seems to have upset the people of Mutriku, who feared becoming the servants of lords demanding increasing taxes and privileges. In response, they decided to become a royal borough—towns that were subject only to the king’s jurisdiction and free from paying dues to any lord. Securing such a status required lengthy and costly procedures at court, but they had sufficient economic power thanks to fishing and whale hunting, which they had practiced for centuries. Mutriku became a Town around 1209. From then on, they no longer paid feudal dues and could reinvest their profits into maritime activities—such as the construction of the 13th-century wharf, the oldest in Gipuzkoa.
The people of Mutriku used to give the first whale they caught each year to the King of Castile. In 1200, Alfonso VIII granted this revenue to the religious and military Order of Santiago, a decision that seems to have upset the people of Mutriku, who feared becoming the servants of lords demanding increasing taxes and privileges. In response, they decided to become a royal borough—towns that were subject only to the king’s jurisdiction and free from paying dues to any lord. Securing such a status required lengthy and costly procedures at court, but they had sufficient economic power thanks to fishing and whale hunting, which they had practiced for centuries. Mutriku became a Town around 1209. From then on, they no longer paid feudal dues and could reinvest their profits into maritime activities—such as the construction of the 13th-century wharf, the oldest in Gipuzkoa.
The people of Mutriku used to give the first whale they caught each year to the King of Castile. In 1200, Alfonso VIII granted this revenue to the religious and military Order of Santiago, a decision that seems to have upset the people of Mutriku, who feared becoming the servants of lords demanding increasing taxes and privileges. In response, they decided to become a royal borough—towns that were subject only to the king’s jurisdiction and free from paying dues to any lord. Securing such a status required lengthy and costly procedures at court, but they had sufficient economic power thanks to fishing and whale hunting, which they had practiced for centuries. Mutriku became a Town around 1209. From then on, they no longer paid feudal dues and could reinvest their profits into maritime activities—such as the construction of the 13th-century wharf, the oldest in Gipuzkoa.
The people of Mutriku used to give the first whale they caught each year to the King of Castile. In 1200, Alfonso VIII granted this revenue to the religious and military Order of Santiago, a decision that seems to have upset the people of Mutriku, who feared becoming the servants of lords demanding increasing taxes and privileges. In response, they decided to become a royal borough—towns that were subject only to the king’s jurisdiction and free from paying dues to any lord. Securing such a status required lengthy and costly procedures at court, but they had sufficient economic power thanks to fishing and whale hunting, which they had practiced for centuries. Mutriku became a Town around 1209. From then on, they no longer paid feudal dues and could reinvest their profits into maritime activities—such as the construction of the 13th-century wharf, the oldest in Gipuzkoa.
The apse of the church of San Andrés in Astigarribia, with its beautiful horseshoe-arched window, is the pinnacle of Mozarabic architecture in the Basque Country. The church was built between the 10th and 11th centuries as the parish for one of the most strategic settlements on the Basque coast: the Town of Astigarribia, on the banks of the Deba River near the sea, inhabited since Roman times. The river marked the western limit of Ipuscua. Around 1080, Lope Íñiguez, lord of Bizkaia, donated this place to the Riojan monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, including its "fishing ports." The exact location of these ports is unknown, but Astigarribia also had a significant river landing: keelboats could enter during high tides, and from there flat-bottomed barges traveled upstream to Altzola (Elgoibar). Thus, it became a communication hub. Until well into the 19th century, iron ore from Bizkaia was unloaded here and distributed to the forges in the Deba valley and the upper Urola basin. Between the church and the river, remains were found of an early forge (which did not yet use water power), with four iron reduction furnaces dating from the late 10th to early 11th centuries.
The current farmhouse known as Torre was once the tower house from which the Astigarribia family exerted power over this port: they had a rentería, where they weighed the mineral and iron traveling along the river and collected taxes..
The apse of the church of San Andrés in Astigarribia, with its beautiful horseshoe-arched window, is the pinnacle of Mozarabic architecture in the Basque Country. The church was built between the 10th and 11th centuries as the parish for one of the most strategic settlements on the Basque coast: the Town of Astigarribia, on the banks of the Deba River near the sea, inhabited since Roman times. The river marked the western limit of Ipuscua. Around 1080, Lope Íñiguez, lord of Bizkaia, donated this place to the Riojan monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, including its "fishing ports." The exact location of these ports is unknown, but Astigarribia also had a significant river landing: keelboats could enter during high tides, and from there flat-bottomed barges traveled upstream to Altzola (Elgoibar). Thus, it became a communication hub. Until well into the 19th century, iron ore from Bizkaia was unloaded here and distributed to the forges in the Deba valley and the upper Urola basin. Between the church and the river, remains were found of an early forge (which did not yet use water power), with four iron reduction furnaces dating from the late 10th to early 11th centuries.
The current farmhouse known as Torre was once the tower house from which the Astigarribia family exerted power over this port: they had a rentería, where they weighed the mineral and iron traveling along the river and collected taxes..
The apse of the church of San Andrés in Astigarribia, with its beautiful horseshoe-arched window, is the pinnacle of Mozarabic architecture in the Basque Country. The church was built between the 10th and 11th centuries as the parish for one of the most strategic settlements on the Basque coast: the Town of Astigarribia, on the banks of the Deba River near the sea, inhabited since Roman times. The river marked the western limit of Ipuscua. Around 1080, Lope Íñiguez, lord of Bizkaia, donated this place to the Riojan monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, including its "fishing ports." The exact location of these ports is unknown, but Astigarribia also had a significant river landing: keelboats could enter during high tides, and from there flat-bottomed barges traveled upstream to Altzola (Elgoibar). Thus, it became a communication hub. Until well into the 19th century, iron ore from Bizkaia was unloaded here and distributed to the forges in the Deba valley and the upper Urola basin. Between the church and the river, remains were found of an early forge (which did not yet use water power), with four iron reduction furnaces dating from the late 10th to early 11th centuries.
The current farmhouse known as Torre was once the tower house from which the Astigarribia family exerted power over this port: they had a rentería, where they weighed the mineral and iron traveling along the river and collected taxes..
The apse of the church of San Andrés in Astigarribia, with its beautiful horseshoe-arched window, is the pinnacle of Mozarabic architecture in the Basque Country. The church was built between the 10th and 11th centuries as the parish for one of the most strategic settlements on the Basque coast: the Town of Astigarribia, on the banks of the Deba River near the sea, inhabited since Roman times. The river marked the western limit of Ipuscua. Around 1080, Lope Íñiguez, lord of Bizkaia, donated this place to the Riojan monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, including its "fishing ports." The exact location of these ports is unknown, but Astigarribia also had a significant river landing: keelboats could enter during high tides, and from there flat-bottomed barges traveled upstream to Altzola (Elgoibar). Thus, it became a communication hub. Until well into the 19th century, iron ore from Bizkaia was unloaded here and distributed to the forges in the Deba valley and the upper Urola basin. Between the church and the river, remains were found of an early forge (which did not yet use water power), with four iron reduction furnaces dating from the late 10th to early 11th centuries.
The current farmhouse known as Torre was once the tower house from which the Astigarribia family exerted power over this port: they had a rentería, where they weighed the mineral and iron traveling along the river and collected taxes..
The only two Romanesque virgins in Gipuzkoa are found on the coast, indicating that the most prosperous communities in medieval times were coastal: one is the Virgin of Juncal in Irun, and the other is the Virgin of Itziar, a 12th-century carving venerated as the patroness of sailors. The Itziar sanctuary, perched atop a promontory, served as a landmark for ships and, in the 11th and 12th centuries, was the political and spiritual head of the Valley of Itziar (the land of Ipuscua was divided into territorial units called valleys). The Town of Itziar rose to the rank of Town in 1294, with jurisdiction over the other Towns in its valley.
The only two Romanesque virgins in Gipuzkoa are found on the coast, indicating that the most prosperous communities in medieval times were coastal: one is the Virgin of Juncal in Irun, and the other is the Virgin of Itziar, a 12th-century carving venerated as the patroness of sailors. The Itziar sanctuary, perched atop a promontory, served as a landmark for ships and, in the 11th and 12th centuries, was the political and spiritual head of the Valley of Itziar (the land of Ipuscua was divided into territorial units called valleys). The Town of Itziar rose to the rank of Town in 1294, with jurisdiction over the other Towns in its valley.
The only two Romanesque virgins in Gipuzkoa are found on the coast, indicating that the most prosperous communities in medieval times were coastal: one is the Virgin of Juncal in Irun, and the other is the Virgin of Itziar, a 12th-century carving venerated as the patroness of sailors. The Itziar sanctuary, perched atop a promontory, served as a landmark for ships and, in the 11th and 12th centuries, was the political and spiritual head of the Valley of Itziar (the land of Ipuscua was divided into territorial units called valleys). The Town of Itziar rose to the rank of Town in 1294, with jurisdiction over the other Towns in its valley.
The only two Romanesque virgins in Gipuzkoa are found on the coast, indicating that the most prosperous communities in medieval times were coastal: one is the Virgin of Juncal in Irun, and the other is the Virgin of Itziar, a 12th-century carving venerated as the patroness of sailors. The Itziar sanctuary, perched atop a promontory, served as a landmark for ships and, in the 11th and 12th centuries, was the political and spiritual head of the Valley of Itziar (the land of Ipuscua was divided into territorial units called valleys). The Town of Itziar rose to the rank of Town in 1294, with jurisdiction over the other Towns in its valley.
The church of San Pedro and the Presa Tower (Presako Torrea) stand on a promontory overlooking Zumaia’s old harbor, which was located until the 19th century where Amaia Square is now. The Presa Tower is the only visible remnant of an old tidal mill complex; its dam formed a reservoir in the current Mareaerrota Square and Ardantzabidea Street area. The dam retained water from high tides and therefore operated continuously, unaffected by river droughts. It was a key infrastructure of Zumaia’s active harbor, which from the Middle Ages was involved in exporting iron to northern Europe and importing grain. A sign of its importance: since at least 1203, the powerful Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles, in the Kingdom of Navarre, owned the parish and four mills named Dorre (tower) in Zumaia. The fishing and seafaring Town that developed around this economic and religious hub gained Town status in 1347.
The church of San Pedro and the Presa Tower (Presako Torrea) stand on a promontory overlooking Zumaia’s old harbor, which was located until the 19th century where Amaia Square is now. The Presa Tower is the only visible remnant of an old tidal mill complex; its dam formed a reservoir in the current Mareaerrota Square and Ardantzabidea Street area. The dam retained water from high tides and therefore operated continuously, unaffected by river droughts. It was a key infrastructure of Zumaia’s active harbor, which from the Middle Ages was involved in exporting iron to northern Europe and importing grain. A sign of its importance: since at least 1203, the powerful Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles, in the Kingdom of Navarre, owned the parish and four mills named Dorre (tower) in Zumaia. The fishing and seafaring Town that developed around this economic and religious hub gained Town status in 1347.
The church of San Pedro and the Presa Tower (Presako Torrea) stand on a promontory overlooking Zumaia’s old harbor, which was located until the 19th century where Amaia Square is now. The Presa Tower is the only visible remnant of an old tidal mill complex; its dam formed a reservoir in the current Mareaerrota Square and Ardantzabidea Street area. The dam retained water from high tides and therefore operated continuously, unaffected by river droughts. It was a key infrastructure of Zumaia’s active harbor, which from the Middle Ages was involved in exporting iron to northern Europe and importing grain. A sign of its importance: since at least 1203, the powerful Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles, in the Kingdom of Navarre, owned the parish and four mills named Dorre (tower) in Zumaia. The fishing and seafaring Town that developed around this economic and religious hub gained Town status in 1347.
The church of San Pedro and the Presa Tower (Presako Torrea) stand on a promontory overlooking Zumaia’s old harbor, which was located until the 19th century where Amaia Square is now. The Presa Tower is the only visible remnant of an old tidal mill complex; its dam formed a reservoir in the current Mareaerrota Square and Ardantzabidea Street area. The dam retained water from high tides and therefore operated continuously, unaffected by river droughts. It was a key infrastructure of Zumaia’s active harbor, which from the Middle Ages was involved in exporting iron to northern Europe and importing grain. A sign of its importance: since at least 1203, the powerful Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles, in the Kingdom of Navarre, owned the parish and four mills named Dorre (tower) in Zumaia. The fishing and seafaring Town that developed around this economic and religious hub gained Town status in 1347.
In the church of San Martín, remains of a 6th-century mausoleum with anthropomorphic tombs carved into rock have been found: the oldest Christian temple remains in Gipuzkoa. In the 11th century, it served as the parish church for the inhabitants of Askizu, a Town later under the jurisdiction of the Town of Getaria. The current church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries in a rural Gothic style, but preserves a 13th-century apse with two paired windows—the oldest Gothic traces in Gipuzkoa.
In the church of San Martín, remains of a 6th-century mausoleum with anthropomorphic tombs carved into rock have been found: the oldest Christian temple remains in Gipuzkoa. In the 11th century, it served as the parish church for the inhabitants of Askizu, a Town later under the jurisdiction of the Town of Getaria. The current church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries in a rural Gothic style, but preserves a 13th-century apse with two paired windows—the oldest Gothic traces in Gipuzkoa.
In the church of San Martín, remains of a 6th-century mausoleum with anthropomorphic tombs carved into rock have been found: the oldest Christian temple remains in Gipuzkoa. In the 11th century, it served as the parish church for the inhabitants of Askizu, a Town later under the jurisdiction of the Town of Getaria. The current church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries in a rural Gothic style, but preserves a 13th-century apse with two paired windows—the oldest Gothic traces in Gipuzkoa.
In the church of San Martín, remains of a 6th-century mausoleum with anthropomorphic tombs carved into rock have been found: the oldest Christian temple remains in Gipuzkoa. In the 11th century, it served as the parish church for the inhabitants of Askizu, a Town later under the jurisdiction of the Town of Getaria. The current church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries in a rural Gothic style, but preserves a 13th-century apse with two paired windows—the oldest Gothic traces in Gipuzkoa.
The current hermitage of San Prudentzio in Askizu dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, but this religious site is much older. Archaeologists uncovered a 12th-century treasure inside: hundreds of gilded bronze belt buckles and decorative plaques, adorned with heraldic motifs. They were made using casting, engraving, and colorful glass paste enamel. These accessories, part of the attire of nobles and knights, were probably deposited as votive offerings in the wartime context of 11th–12th century Ipuscua, a time marked by conquest and the region’s definitive incorporation into the Kingdom of Castile in 1200.
The current hermitage of San Prudentzio in Askizu dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, but this religious site is much older. Archaeologists uncovered a 12th-century treasure inside: hundreds of gilded bronze belt buckles and decorative plaques, adorned with heraldic motifs. They were made using casting, engraving, and colorful glass paste enamel. These accessories, part of the attire of nobles and knights, were probably deposited as votive offerings in the wartime context of 11th–12th century Ipuscua, a time marked by conquest and the region’s definitive incorporation into the Kingdom of Castile in 1200.
The current hermitage of San Prudentzio in Askizu dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, but this religious site is much older. Archaeologists uncovered a 12th-century treasure inside: hundreds of gilded bronze belt buckles and decorative plaques, adorned with heraldic motifs. They were made using casting, engraving, and colorful glass paste enamel. These accessories, part of the attire of nobles and knights, were probably deposited as votive offerings in the wartime context of 11th–12th century Ipuscua, a time marked by conquest and the region’s definitive incorporation into the Kingdom of Castile in 1200.
The current hermitage of San Prudentzio in Askizu dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, but this religious site is much older. Archaeologists uncovered a 12th-century treasure inside: hundreds of gilded bronze belt buckles and decorative plaques, adorned with heraldic motifs. They were made using casting, engraving, and colorful glass paste enamel. These accessories, part of the attire of nobles and knights, were probably deposited as votive offerings in the wartime context of 11th–12th century Ipuscua, a time marked by conquest and the region’s definitive incorporation into the Kingdom of Castile in 1200.
The Church of San Salvador and Zarautz Palace are two gems of Basque Gothic architecture. Inside, much older architectural and archaeological remains can be found: Roman buildings, medieval burials, and foundations of earlier temples. In the 11th century, Getaria had a very active port focused on fishing and, above all, whaling—then a highly lucrative activity practiced exclusively on the Basque coast. Thanks to its maritime power, the people of Getaria secured Town status from the King of Navarre at the end of the 12th century, with the same charter as San Sebastián. The King of Castile confirmed this in 1209 when he seized control of the territory. Thus, Getaria became the second town founded in Gipuzkoa.
The Church of San Salvador and Zarautz Palace are two gems of Basque Gothic architecture. Inside, much older architectural and archaeological remains can be found: Roman buildings, medieval burials, and foundations of earlier temples. In the 11th century, Getaria had a very active port focused on fishing and, above all, whaling—then a highly lucrative activity practiced exclusively on the Basque coast. Thanks to its maritime power, the people of Getaria secured Town status from the King of Navarre at the end of the 12th century, with the same charter as San Sebastián. The King of Castile confirmed this in 1209 when he seized control of the territory. Thus, Getaria became the second town founded in Gipuzkoa.
The Church of San Salvador and Zarautz Palace are two gems of Basque Gothic architecture. Inside, much older architectural and archaeological remains can be found: Roman buildings, medieval burials, and foundations of earlier temples. In the 11th century, Getaria had a very active port focused on fishing and, above all, whaling—then a highly lucrative activity practiced exclusively on the Basque coast. Thanks to its maritime power, the people of Getaria secured Town status from the King of Navarre at the end of the 12th century, with the same charter as San Sebastián. The King of Castile confirmed this in 1209 when he seized control of the territory. Thus, Getaria became the second town founded in Gipuzkoa.
The Church of San Salvador and Zarautz Palace are two gems of Basque Gothic architecture. Inside, much older architectural and archaeological remains can be found: Roman buildings, medieval burials, and foundations of earlier temples. In the 11th century, Getaria had a very active port focused on fishing and, above all, whaling—then a highly lucrative activity practiced exclusively on the Basque coast. Thanks to its maritime power, the people of Getaria secured Town status from the King of Navarre at the end of the 12th century, with the same charter as San Sebastián. The King of Castile confirmed this in 1209 when he seized control of the territory. Thus, Getaria became the second town founded in Gipuzkoa.
This is one of the most remarkable examples of rural Gothic architecture in Gipuzkoa, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Beneath it lie remains of an earlier temple and associated burials, showing that in the 11th century this was the parish church of the Town of Elkano, which belonged to the Valley of Saiatz. Its territory included the old landing of Azken Portu, in what is now Zarautz. In the 1025 document that first mentions the term Ipuscua, this Town is also cited: Lady Gayla of Ipuscua and her husband García of Azenariz, lords of the territory, donated the monastery of San Salvador de Olazabal in Altzo to the powerful Aragonese monastery of San Juan de la Peña; among other assets, they included the apple orchards and cows they owned in Elkano.
This is one of the most remarkable examples of rural Gothic architecture in Gipuzkoa, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Beneath it lie remains of an earlier temple and associated burials, showing that in the 11th century this was the parish church of the Town of Elkano, which belonged to the Valley of Saiatz. Its territory included the old landing of Azken Portu, in what is now Zarautz. In the 1025 document that first mentions the term Ipuscua, this Town is also cited: Lady Gayla of Ipuscua and her husband García of Azenariz, lords of the territory, donated the monastery of San Salvador de Olazabal in Altzo to the powerful Aragonese monastery of San Juan de la Peña; among other assets, they included the apple orchards and cows they owned in Elkano.
This is one of the most remarkable examples of rural Gothic architecture in Gipuzkoa, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Beneath it lie remains of an earlier temple and associated burials, showing that in the 11th century this was the parish church of the Town of Elkano, which belonged to the Valley of Saiatz. Its territory included the old landing of Azken Portu, in what is now Zarautz. In the 1025 document that first mentions the term Ipuscua, this Town is also cited: Lady Gayla of Ipuscua and her husband García of Azenariz, lords of the territory, donated the monastery of San Salvador de Olazabal in Altzo to the powerful Aragonese monastery of San Juan de la Peña; among other assets, they included the apple orchards and cows they owned in Elkano.
This is one of the most remarkable examples of rural Gothic architecture in Gipuzkoa, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Beneath it lie remains of an earlier temple and associated burials, showing that in the 11th century this was the parish church of the Town of Elkano, which belonged to the Valley of Saiatz. Its territory included the old landing of Azken Portu, in what is now Zarautz. In the 1025 document that first mentions the term Ipuscua, this Town is also cited: Lady Gayla of Ipuscua and her husband García of Azenariz, lords of the territory, donated the monastery of San Salvador de Olazabal in Altzo to the powerful Aragonese monastery of San Juan de la Peña; among other assets, they included the apple orchards and cows they owned in Elkano.
The Church of Santa María la Real and its bell tower rise in the heart of Zarautz’s history. Beneath them lie remains from the Iron Age, Roman period, and the Middle Ages. We know that in the 11th century, Zarautz was a town organized around this church of Santa María, engaged in fishing and whaling, as well as in the transport and trade of iron, which had been produced since Roman times and, between the 11th and 13th centuries, was processed in several early or pre-hydraulic forges (those that did not yet use water power for machinery). Zarautz’s town council, which was based precisely in the bell tower, succeeded in obtaining Town status from the King of Castile in 1237.
The Church of Santa María la Real and its bell tower rise in the heart of Zarautz’s history. Beneath them lie remains from the Iron Age, Roman period, and the Middle Ages. We know that in the 11th century, Zarautz was a town organized around this church of Santa María, engaged in fishing and whaling, as well as in the transport and trade of iron, which had been produced since Roman times and, between the 11th and 13th centuries, was processed in several early or pre-hydraulic forges (those that did not yet use water power for machinery). Zarautz’s town council, which was based precisely in the bell tower, succeeded in obtaining Town status from the King of Castile in 1237.
The Church of Santa María la Real and its bell tower rise in the heart of Zarautz’s history. Beneath them lie remains from the Iron Age, Roman period, and the Middle Ages. We know that in the 11th century, Zarautz was a town organized around this church of Santa María, engaged in fishing and whaling, as well as in the transport and trade of iron, which had been produced since Roman times and, between the 11th and 13th centuries, was processed in several early or pre-hydraulic forges (those that did not yet use water power for machinery). Zarautz’s town council, which was based precisely in the bell tower, succeeded in obtaining Town status from the King of Castile in 1237.
The Church of Santa María la Real and its bell tower rise in the heart of Zarautz’s history. Beneath them lie remains from the Iron Age, Roman period, and the Middle Ages. We know that in the 11th century, Zarautz was a town organized around this church of Santa María, engaged in fishing and whaling, as well as in the transport and trade of iron, which had been produced since Roman times and, between the 11th and 13th centuries, was processed in several early or pre-hydraulic forges (those that did not yet use water power for machinery). Zarautz’s town council, which was based precisely in the bell tower, succeeded in obtaining Town status from the King of Castile in 1237.
The current hermitage of San Sebastián, dating from the 16th century, stands on the remains of what was the parish church of the Town of Urteta in the 11th century. This Town was one of the many small settlements that dotted the coast of Ipuscua. When the town of Zarautz was founded in 1237, Urteta came under its jurisdiction.
The current hermitage of San Sebastián, dating from the 16th century, stands on the remains of what was the parish church of the Town of Urteta in the 11th century. This Town was one of the many small settlements that dotted the coast of Ipuscua. When the town of Zarautz was founded in 1237, Urteta came under its jurisdiction.
The current hermitage of San Sebastián, dating from the 16th century, stands on the remains of what was the parish church of the Town of Urteta in the 11th century. This Town was one of the many small settlements that dotted the coast of Ipuscua. When the town of Zarautz was founded in 1237, Urteta came under its jurisdiction.
The current hermitage of San Sebastián, dating from the 16th century, stands on the remains of what was the parish church of the Town of Urteta in the 11th century. This Town was one of the many small settlements that dotted the coast of Ipuscua. When the town of Zarautz was founded in 1237, Urteta came under its jurisdiction.
Ironworking has been a key activity in the territory of present-day Gipuzkoa for millennia. As early as the 4th century BC, mountain forges were already in operation—low shaft furnaces dug into hillsides, near iron mines and forests that supplied charcoal and firewood. These forges proliferated from the 11th century onward, as evidenced by archaeological remains of nine mountain forges found in this very valley of the Manterola river. In the 13th century, water-powered forges emerged. These used water to power the hammer that struck the red-hot iron and to blow air that fueled the fire. They spread throughout Gipuzkoa, with as many as 200 in operation. Maritime exports of tools, farm implements, and weapons made of iron played a major role in the Gipuzkoan economy. The current Agorregi forge, from the 18th century, has been restored in recent years and allows visitors to observe its water-powered machinery in operation.
Photography: Aia Turismoa
Ironworking has been a key activity in the territory of present-day Gipuzkoa for millennia. As early as the 4th century BC, mountain forges were already in operation—low shaft furnaces dug into hillsides, near iron mines and forests that supplied charcoal and firewood. These forges proliferated from the 11th century onward, as evidenced by archaeological remains of nine mountain forges found in this very valley of the Manterola river. In the 13th century, water-powered forges emerged. These used water to power the hammer that struck the red-hot iron and to blow air that fueled the fire. They spread throughout Gipuzkoa, with as many as 200 in operation. Maritime exports of tools, farm implements, and weapons made of iron played a major role in the Gipuzkoan economy. The current Agorregi forge, from the 18th century, has been restored in recent years and allows visitors to observe its water-powered machinery in operation.
Photography: Aia Turismoa
Ironworking has been a key activity in the territory of present-day Gipuzkoa for millennia. As early as the 4th century BC, mountain forges were already in operation—low shaft furnaces dug into hillsides, near iron mines and forests that supplied charcoal and firewood. These forges proliferated from the 11th century onward, as evidenced by archaeological remains of nine mountain forges found in this very valley of the Manterola river. In the 13th century, water-powered forges emerged. These used water to power the hammer that struck the red-hot iron and to blow air that fueled the fire. They spread throughout Gipuzkoa, with as many as 200 in operation. Maritime exports of tools, farm implements, and weapons made of iron played a major role in the Gipuzkoan economy. The current Agorregi forge, from the 18th century, has been restored in recent years and allows visitors to observe its water-powered machinery in operation.
Photography: Aia Turismoa
Ironworking has been a key activity in the territory of present-day Gipuzkoa for millennia. As early as the 4th century BC, mountain forges were already in operation—low shaft furnaces dug into hillsides, near iron mines and forests that supplied charcoal and firewood. These forges proliferated from the 11th century onward, as evidenced by archaeological remains of nine mountain forges found in this very valley of the Manterola river. In the 13th century, water-powered forges emerged. These used water to power the hammer that struck the red-hot iron and to blow air that fueled the fire. They spread throughout Gipuzkoa, with as many as 200 in operation. Maritime exports of tools, farm implements, and weapons made of iron played a major role in the Gipuzkoan economy. The current Agorregi forge, from the 18th century, has been restored in recent years and allows visitors to observe its water-powered machinery in operation.
Photography: Aia Turismoa
The church of San Esteban is an imposing Gothic building from the 16th century and is the center of the current municipality of Aia. In the 11th century, this was one of the Towns that made up the Saiaz Valley. It is mentioned in a 1025 document in which the territory of Ipuscua is referenced for the first time: Lady Gayla of Ipuscua and her husband García de Azenariz, lords of Ipuscua, donated the monastery of San Salvador de Olazabal, in Altzo, to the powerful Aragonese monastery of San Juan de la Peña. Among other assets, they also included in the donation the apple orchards and cows they owned in Aia.
The church of San Esteban is an imposing Gothic building from the 16th century and is the center of the current municipality of Aia. In the 11th century, this was one of the Towns that made up the Saiaz Valley. It is mentioned in a 1025 document in which the territory of Ipuscua is referenced for the first time: Lady Gayla of Ipuscua and her husband García de Azenariz, lords of Ipuscua, donated the monastery of San Salvador de Olazabal, in Altzo, to the powerful Aragonese monastery of San Juan de la Peña. Among other assets, they also included in the donation the apple orchards and cows they owned in Aia.
The church of San Esteban is an imposing Gothic building from the 16th century and is the center of the current municipality of Aia. In the 11th century, this was one of the Towns that made up the Saiaz Valley. It is mentioned in a 1025 document in which the territory of Ipuscua is referenced for the first time: Lady Gayla of Ipuscua and her husband García de Azenariz, lords of Ipuscua, donated the monastery of San Salvador de Olazabal, in Altzo, to the powerful Aragonese monastery of San Juan de la Peña. Among other assets, they also included in the donation the apple orchards and cows they owned in Aia.
The church of San Esteban is an imposing Gothic building from the 16th century and is the center of the current municipality of Aia. In the 11th century, this was one of the Towns that made up the Saiaz Valley. It is mentioned in a 1025 document in which the territory of Ipuscua is referenced for the first time: Lady Gayla of Ipuscua and her husband García de Azenariz, lords of Ipuscua, donated the monastery of San Salvador de Olazabal, in Altzo, to the powerful Aragonese monastery of San Juan de la Peña. Among other assets, they also included in the donation the apple orchards and cows they owned in Aia.
In the lower basin of the modest Santiago river, the Portu farmhouse preserves the Gothic façade of the old rent house of Arrazubia. Here, iron ore arriving by ship from Bizkaia was unloaded, weighed, and taxed before being distributed to the forges further upriver. Taxes were also collected on finished iron goods that were exported from these same forges. In this valley, remains of five haizeolak (mountain forges) have been found, which flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries until they were replaced by water-powered forges that led the region's thriving iron and steel industry until well into the 19th century.
In the lower basin of the modest Santiago river, the Portu farmhouse preserves the Gothic façade of the old rent house of Arrazubia. Here, iron ore arriving by ship from Bizkaia was unloaded, weighed, and taxed before being distributed to the forges further upriver. Taxes were also collected on finished iron goods that were exported from these same forges. In this valley, remains of five haizeolak (mountain forges) have been found, which flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries until they were replaced by water-powered forges that led the region's thriving iron and steel industry until well into the 19th century.
In the lower basin of the modest Santiago river, the Portu farmhouse preserves the Gothic façade of the old rent house of Arrazubia. Here, iron ore arriving by ship from Bizkaia was unloaded, weighed, and taxed before being distributed to the forges further upriver. Taxes were also collected on finished iron goods that were exported from these same forges. In this valley, remains of five haizeolak (mountain forges) have been found, which flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries until they were replaced by water-powered forges that led the region's thriving iron and steel industry until well into the 19th century.
In the lower basin of the modest Santiago river, the Portu farmhouse preserves the Gothic façade of the old rent house of Arrazubia. Here, iron ore arriving by ship from Bizkaia was unloaded, weighed, and taxed before being distributed to the forges further upriver. Taxes were also collected on finished iron goods that were exported from these same forges. In this valley, remains of five haizeolak (mountain forges) have been found, which flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries until they were replaced by water-powered forges that led the region's thriving iron and steel industry until well into the 19th century.
The old port of Orio lies buried beneath Herriko Plaza, the town’s main square, which is dominated by an impressive rocky outcrop on which stands the parish church of San Nicolás. The original church of the Town of Orio once stood here. At its base is the Salatxo complex: a covered passage beneath two 16th century houses, leading to the only surviving gate of the town wall. Orio is mentioned in a 1141 document in which King García IV of Navarre granted all his possessions in the Towns of Igeldo and Orio to the monastery of Leire. A confirmation of this grant in 1178 detailed several seles (private plots within communal lands), some of which share names with current farmhouses: Erretzabal, Saria, Aganduru, Munioeta, and Lusarbe. The Town of Orio, the westernmost coastal outpost of the Kingdom of Navarre, came under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián when the town was founded around 1180. It remained an important enclave after the Castilian conquest, with a royal administrator collecting taxes on iron exports through its port, until it was granted town status in 1379.
The old port of Orio lies buried beneath Herriko Plaza, the town’s main square, which is dominated by an impressive rocky outcrop on which stands the parish church of San Nicolás. The original church of the Town of Orio once stood here. At its base is the Salatxo complex: a covered passage beneath two 16th century houses, leading to the only surviving gate of the town wall. Orio is mentioned in a 1141 document in which King García IV of Navarre granted all his possessions in the Towns of Igeldo and Orio to the monastery of Leire. A confirmation of this grant in 1178 detailed several seles (private plots within communal lands), some of which share names with current farmhouses: Erretzabal, Saria, Aganduru, Munioeta, and Lusarbe. The Town of Orio, the westernmost coastal outpost of the Kingdom of Navarre, came under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián when the town was founded around 1180. It remained an important enclave after the Castilian conquest, with a royal administrator collecting taxes on iron exports through its port, until it was granted town status in 1379.
The old port of Orio lies buried beneath Herriko Plaza, the town’s main square, which is dominated by an impressive rocky outcrop on which stands the parish church of San Nicolás. The original church of the Town of Orio once stood here. At its base is the Salatxo complex: a covered passage beneath two 16th century houses, leading to the only surviving gate of the town wall. Orio is mentioned in a 1141 document in which King García IV of Navarre granted all his possessions in the Towns of Igeldo and Orio to the monastery of Leire. A confirmation of this grant in 1178 detailed several seles (private plots within communal lands), some of which share names with current farmhouses: Erretzabal, Saria, Aganduru, Munioeta, and Lusarbe. The Town of Orio, the westernmost coastal outpost of the Kingdom of Navarre, came under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián when the town was founded around 1180. It remained an important enclave after the Castilian conquest, with a royal administrator collecting taxes on iron exports through its port, until it was granted town status in 1379.
The old port of Orio lies buried beneath Herriko Plaza, the town’s main square, which is dominated by an impressive rocky outcrop on which stands the parish church of San Nicolás. The original church of the Town of Orio once stood here. At its base is the Salatxo complex: a covered passage beneath two 16th century houses, leading to the only surviving gate of the town wall. Orio is mentioned in a 1141 document in which King García IV of Navarre granted all his possessions in the Towns of Igeldo and Orio to the monastery of Leire. A confirmation of this grant in 1178 detailed several seles (private plots within communal lands), some of which share names with current farmhouses: Erretzabal, Saria, Aganduru, Munioeta, and Lusarbe. The Town of Orio, the westernmost coastal outpost of the Kingdom of Navarre, came under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián when the town was founded around 1180. It remained an important enclave after the Castilian conquest, with a royal administrator collecting taxes on iron exports through its port, until it was granted town status in 1379.
La Concha Bay was home to the most important port of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 11th and 12th centuries. A papal bull from 1096 mentions the parish of San Sebastián on the shore, in what is now El Antiguo. In 1101, a previous donation of this church and its properties to the monastery of Leire was confirmed. Among the listed properties in the 12th century were several nasas, large wooden and net funnel-like traps used to catch fish at the mouth of the Igara stream, on Ondarreta beach. Also included was a pardina, a farming and livestock estate in the Town of Itzurun, in what is now the Old Town (Parte Vieja), near the natural harbor at the base of Mount Urgull.
This thriving port settlement of Itzurun had two parishes: Santa María and San Vicente, both still present today and mentioned as early as the late 12th century—though likely older. Burials from the 10th century linked to Santa María were found in the nearby convent of Santa Teresa, along with traces of Roman-era habitation.
The Town of Itzurun became the seat of the town of San Sebastián, granted town status by King Sancho VI the Wise of Navarre around 1180, making it the oldest town in Gipuzkoa. The founding charter served as a commercial regulation, allowing San Sebastián to flourish as a maritime power with jurisdiction over the entire coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre, from the Bidasoa to the Oria rivers. Economic and political power was reinforced by religious and military presence: in the 12th century, the Augustinian convent of San Bartolomé—the oldest in Gipuzkoa—was founded, and a fortification was built atop Mount Urgull, the origin of today’s Castillo de la Mota. Despite these defenses, in 1200 Castile took the castles, the town, and its territories.
La Concha Bay was home to the most important port of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 11th and 12th centuries. A papal bull from 1096 mentions the parish of San Sebastián on the shore, in what is now El Antiguo. In 1101, a previous donation of this church and its properties to the monastery of Leire was confirmed. Among the listed properties in the 12th century were several nasas, large wooden and net funnel-like traps used to catch fish at the mouth of the Igara stream, on Ondarreta beach. Also included was a pardina, a farming and livestock estate in the Town of Itzurun, in what is now the Old Town (Parte Vieja), near the natural harbor at the base of Mount Urgull.
This thriving port settlement of Itzurun had two parishes: Santa María and San Vicente, both still present today and mentioned as early as the late 12th century—though likely older. Burials from the 10th century linked to Santa María were found in the nearby convent of Santa Teresa, along with traces of Roman-era habitation.
The Town of Itzurun became the seat of the town of San Sebastián, granted town status by King Sancho VI the Wise of Navarre around 1180, making it the oldest town in Gipuzkoa. The founding charter served as a commercial regulation, allowing San Sebastián to flourish as a maritime power with jurisdiction over the entire coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre, from the Bidasoa to the Oria rivers. Economic and political power was reinforced by religious and military presence: in the 12th century, the Augustinian convent of San Bartolomé—the oldest in Gipuzkoa—was founded, and a fortification was built atop Mount Urgull, the origin of today’s Castillo de la Mota. Despite these defenses, in 1200 Castile took the castles, the town, and its territories.
La Concha Bay was home to the most important port of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 11th and 12th centuries. A papal bull from 1096 mentions the parish of San Sebastián on the shore, in what is now El Antiguo. In 1101, a previous donation of this church and its properties to the monastery of Leire was confirmed. Among the listed properties in the 12th century were several nasas, large wooden and net funnel-like traps used to catch fish at the mouth of the Igara stream, on Ondarreta beach. Also included was a pardina, a farming and livestock estate in the Town of Itzurun, in what is now the Old Town (Parte Vieja), near the natural harbor at the base of Mount Urgull.
This thriving port settlement of Itzurun had two parishes: Santa María and San Vicente, both still present today and mentioned as early as the late 12th century—though likely older. Burials from the 10th century linked to Santa María were found in the nearby convent of Santa Teresa, along with traces of Roman-era habitation.
The Town of Itzurun became the seat of the town of San Sebastián, granted town status by King Sancho VI the Wise of Navarre around 1180, making it the oldest town in Gipuzkoa. The founding charter served as a commercial regulation, allowing San Sebastián to flourish as a maritime power with jurisdiction over the entire coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre, from the Bidasoa to the Oria rivers. Economic and political power was reinforced by religious and military presence: in the 12th century, the Augustinian convent of San Bartolomé—the oldest in Gipuzkoa—was founded, and a fortification was built atop Mount Urgull, the origin of today’s Castillo de la Mota. Despite these defenses, in 1200 Castile took the castles, the town, and its territories.
La Concha Bay was home to the most important port of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 11th and 12th centuries. A papal bull from 1096 mentions the parish of San Sebastián on the shore, in what is now El Antiguo. In 1101, a previous donation of this church and its properties to the monastery of Leire was confirmed. Among the listed properties in the 12th century were several nasas, large wooden and net funnel-like traps used to catch fish at the mouth of the Igara stream, on Ondarreta beach. Also included was a pardina, a farming and livestock estate in the Town of Itzurun, in what is now the Old Town (Parte Vieja), near the natural harbor at the base of Mount Urgull.
This thriving port settlement of Itzurun had two parishes: Santa María and San Vicente, both still present today and mentioned as early as the late 12th century—though likely older. Burials from the 10th century linked to Santa María were found in the nearby convent of Santa Teresa, along with traces of Roman-era habitation.
The Town of Itzurun became the seat of the town of San Sebastián, granted town status by King Sancho VI the Wise of Navarre around 1180, making it the oldest town in Gipuzkoa. The founding charter served as a commercial regulation, allowing San Sebastián to flourish as a maritime power with jurisdiction over the entire coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre, from the Bidasoa to the Oria rivers. Economic and political power was reinforced by religious and military presence: in the 12th century, the Augustinian convent of San Bartolomé—the oldest in Gipuzkoa—was founded, and a fortification was built atop Mount Urgull, the origin of today’s Castillo de la Mota. Despite these defenses, in 1200 Castile took the castles, the town, and its territories.
Beneath this imposing Gothic church, archaeologists discovered the foundations of an earlier church with one of the few semi-circular Romanesque apses documented in Gipuzkoa, likely dating from the 12th century. At that time, San Esteban was the parish of the Town of Lartaun (now the Elizalde neighborhood), the capital of the Oiartzun Valley. This area was notable for iron production: around thirty pre-hydraulic forges (common between the 11th and 13th centuries) have been found here, preceding the rise of water-powered forges. The iron produced was exported via the port of Pasaia. The Oiartzun Valley remained under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián until it split off in 1237.
Beneath this imposing Gothic church, archaeologists discovered the foundations of an earlier church with one of the few semi-circular Romanesque apses documented in Gipuzkoa, likely dating from the 12th century. At that time, San Esteban was the parish of the Town of Lartaun (now the Elizalde neighborhood), the capital of the Oiartzun Valley. This area was notable for iron production: around thirty pre-hydraulic forges (common between the 11th and 13th centuries) have been found here, preceding the rise of water-powered forges. The iron produced was exported via the port of Pasaia. The Oiartzun Valley remained under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián until it split off in 1237.
Beneath this imposing Gothic church, archaeologists discovered the foundations of an earlier church with one of the few semi-circular Romanesque apses documented in Gipuzkoa, likely dating from the 12th century. At that time, San Esteban was the parish of the Town of Lartaun (now the Elizalde neighborhood), the capital of the Oiartzun Valley. This area was notable for iron production: around thirty pre-hydraulic forges (common between the 11th and 13th centuries) have been found here, preceding the rise of water-powered forges. The iron produced was exported via the port of Pasaia. The Oiartzun Valley remained under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián until it split off in 1237.
Beneath this imposing Gothic church, archaeologists discovered the foundations of an earlier church with one of the few semi-circular Romanesque apses documented in Gipuzkoa, likely dating from the 12th century. At that time, San Esteban was the parish of the Town of Lartaun (now the Elizalde neighborhood), the capital of the Oiartzun Valley. This area was notable for iron production: around thirty pre-hydraulic forges (common between the 11th and 13th centuries) have been found here, preceding the rise of water-powered forges. The iron produced was exported via the port of Pasaia. The Oiartzun Valley remained under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián until it split off in 1237.
Three castles defended the coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 12th century: those of San Sebastián, Hondarribia, and this one—Beloaga—whose remains still crown Mount Arkale in Oiartzun. This was a region of great economic and maritime strength, under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián since the town’s founding around 1180. Due to its strategic importance, King Alfonso VIII of Castile conquered it in 1200.
Photography: Oiartzungo udala
Three castles defended the coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 12th century: those of San Sebastián, Hondarribia, and this one—Beloaga—whose remains still crown Mount Arkale in Oiartzun. This was a region of great economic and maritime strength, under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián since the town’s founding around 1180. Due to its strategic importance, King Alfonso VIII of Castile conquered it in 1200.
Photography: Oiartzungo udala
Three castles defended the coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 12th century: those of San Sebastián, Hondarribia, and this one—Beloaga—whose remains still crown Mount Arkale in Oiartzun. This was a region of great economic and maritime strength, under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián since the town’s founding around 1180. Due to its strategic importance, King Alfonso VIII of Castile conquered it in 1200.
Photography: Oiartzungo udala
Three castles defended the coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre in the 12th century: those of San Sebastián, Hondarribia, and this one—Beloaga—whose remains still crown Mount Arkale in Oiartzun. This was a region of great economic and maritime strength, under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián since the town’s founding around 1180. Due to its strategic importance, King Alfonso VIII of Castile conquered it in 1200.
Photography: Oiartzungo udala
The Virgin of El Juncal and the Virgin of Itziar are the only Romanesque Madonnas in Gipuzkoa, both located in significant coastal sites. According to tradition, the Virgin of El Juncal appeared among the reeds (juncos) of the Bidasoa estuary, in the area where the Romans built the port of Oiasso and where Irun’s port remained until it was drained and urbanized in the 19th century. This coastal site became a place of worship, first with a 12th-century church, later replaced by the current Gothic parish church of Nuestra Señora del Juncal.
In the 11th century, the Town of Irun held a strategic position: on the Bidasoa River, at the eastern edge of the Kingdom of Navarre’s coast, bordering the Duchy of Vasconia-Aquitaine, and offering vital maritime access for fishing and trade. When San Sebastián was founded around 1180, Irun came under its jurisdiction.
The Virgin of El Juncal and the Virgin of Itziar are the only Romanesque Madonnas in Gipuzkoa, both located in significant coastal sites. According to tradition, the Virgin of El Juncal appeared among the reeds (juncos) of the Bidasoa estuary, in the area where the Romans built the port of Oiasso and where Irun’s port remained until it was drained and urbanized in the 19th century. This coastal site became a place of worship, first with a 12th-century church, later replaced by the current Gothic parish church of Nuestra Señora del Juncal.
In the 11th century, the Town of Irun held a strategic position: on the Bidasoa River, at the eastern edge of the Kingdom of Navarre’s coast, bordering the Duchy of Vasconia-Aquitaine, and offering vital maritime access for fishing and trade. When San Sebastián was founded around 1180, Irun came under its jurisdiction.
The Virgin of El Juncal and the Virgin of Itziar are the only Romanesque Madonnas in Gipuzkoa, both located in significant coastal sites. According to tradition, the Virgin of El Juncal appeared among the reeds (juncos) of the Bidasoa estuary, in the area where the Romans built the port of Oiasso and where Irun’s port remained until it was drained and urbanized in the 19th century. This coastal site became a place of worship, first with a 12th-century church, later replaced by the current Gothic parish church of Nuestra Señora del Juncal.
In the 11th century, the Town of Irun held a strategic position: on the Bidasoa River, at the eastern edge of the Kingdom of Navarre’s coast, bordering the Duchy of Vasconia-Aquitaine, and offering vital maritime access for fishing and trade. When San Sebastián was founded around 1180, Irun came under its jurisdiction.
The Virgin of El Juncal and the Virgin of Itziar are the only Romanesque Madonnas in Gipuzkoa, both located in significant coastal sites. According to tradition, the Virgin of El Juncal appeared among the reeds (juncos) of the Bidasoa estuary, in the area where the Romans built the port of Oiasso and where Irun’s port remained until it was drained and urbanized in the 19th century. This coastal site became a place of worship, first with a 12th-century church, later replaced by the current Gothic parish church of Nuestra Señora del Juncal.
In the 11th century, the Town of Irun held a strategic position: on the Bidasoa River, at the eastern edge of the Kingdom of Navarre’s coast, bordering the Duchy of Vasconia-Aquitaine, and offering vital maritime access for fishing and trade. When San Sebastián was founded around 1180, Irun came under its jurisdiction.
The current Hermitage of Santa Elena, built in the 16th century, houses archaeological treasures: a necropolis from the Roman city of Oiasso and the foundations of a 10th century hermitage dedicated to Santa elena.
The current Hermitage of Santa Elena, built in the 16th century, houses archaeological treasures: a necropolis from the Roman city of Oiasso and the foundations of a 10th century hermitage dedicated to Santa elena.
The current Hermitage of Santa Elena, built in the 16th century, houses archaeological treasures: a necropolis from the Roman city of Oiasso and the foundations of a 10th century hermitage dedicated to Santa elena.
The current Hermitage of Santa Elena, built in the 16th century, houses archaeological treasures: a necropolis from the Roman city of Oiasso and the foundations of a 10th century hermitage dedicated to Santa elena.
Due to its strategic position on the Bay of Txingudi, Hondarribia suffered sieges and battles for centuries. The current castle is a bomb-proof structure built in the 16th century, whose façade still bears the scars left by numerous artillery attacks. Remnants of towers and medieval walls are also visible. The complex stands on the site of a castle that, as early as the 12th century, defended the eastern edge of the coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre: it served as a border post with the Duchy of Vasconia-Aquitaine, and its port, located at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, bustled with intense fishing and commercial activity. Particularly notable was the trade in minerals and iron produced in the mountain forges, which archaeologists have located in the lower Bidasoa basin. The Town came under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián when that town was founded around 1180, but in the year 1200, King Alfonso VIII of Castile conquered Hondarribia and its castle, along with the rest of the Navarrese coastline. A little later, in 1203, the residents of Hondarribia succeeded in having the conquering king grant them the status of a town: it is the third oldest in Gipuzkoa.
Due to its strategic position on the Bay of Txingudi, Hondarribia suffered sieges and battles for centuries. The current castle is a bomb-proof structure built in the 16th century, whose façade still bears the scars left by numerous artillery attacks. Remnants of towers and medieval walls are also visible. The complex stands on the site of a castle that, as early as the 12th century, defended the eastern edge of the coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre: it served as a border post with the Duchy of Vasconia-Aquitaine, and its port, located at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, bustled with intense fishing and commercial activity. Particularly notable was the trade in minerals and iron produced in the mountain forges, which archaeologists have located in the lower Bidasoa basin. The Town came under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián when that town was founded around 1180, but in the year 1200, King Alfonso VIII of Castile conquered Hondarribia and its castle, along with the rest of the Navarrese coastline. A little later, in 1203, the residents of Hondarribia succeeded in having the conquering king grant them the status of a town: it is the third oldest in Gipuzkoa.
Due to its strategic position on the Bay of Txingudi, Hondarribia suffered sieges and battles for centuries. The current castle is a bomb-proof structure built in the 16th century, whose façade still bears the scars left by numerous artillery attacks. Remnants of towers and medieval walls are also visible. The complex stands on the site of a castle that, as early as the 12th century, defended the eastern edge of the coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre: it served as a border post with the Duchy of Vasconia-Aquitaine, and its port, located at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, bustled with intense fishing and commercial activity. Particularly notable was the trade in minerals and iron produced in the mountain forges, which archaeologists have located in the lower Bidasoa basin. The Town came under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián when that town was founded around 1180, but in the year 1200, King Alfonso VIII of Castile conquered Hondarribia and its castle, along with the rest of the Navarrese coastline. A little later, in 1203, the residents of Hondarribia succeeded in having the conquering king grant them the status of a town: it is the third oldest in Gipuzkoa.
Due to its strategic position on the Bay of Txingudi, Hondarribia suffered sieges and battles for centuries. The current castle is a bomb-proof structure built in the 16th century, whose façade still bears the scars left by numerous artillery attacks. Remnants of towers and medieval walls are also visible. The complex stands on the site of a castle that, as early as the 12th century, defended the eastern edge of the coastal strip of the Kingdom of Navarre: it served as a border post with the Duchy of Vasconia-Aquitaine, and its port, located at the mouth of the Bidasoa River, bustled with intense fishing and commercial activity. Particularly notable was the trade in minerals and iron produced in the mountain forges, which archaeologists have located in the lower Bidasoa basin. The Town came under the jurisdiction of San Sebastián when that town was founded around 1180, but in the year 1200, King Alfonso VIII of Castile conquered Hondarribia and its castle, along with the rest of the Navarrese coastline. A little later, in 1203, the residents of Hondarribia succeeded in having the conquering king grant them the status of a town: it is the third oldest in Gipuzkoa.