Agerre granary, Bergara.
[ Index | Presentation | Guide Searchs | Guest Book | Versión en Español | Main Server ]
Recommended route: Bilbao-Behobia motorway up to Zumaia-Zestoa exit; the Gl-631 (before C-6317) through Zestoa towards Azpeitia and Loiola (see route 4.).
AZKOITIA. Originally known as "San Martín de Iraurgi", it shares with Azpeitia the fertile Urola plain, at the foot of Izarraitz massif. As in nearby Azpeitia, there are many village settlements nestling in the spurs of the surrounding mountains. Among these out-of-the-way places are the districts of Aizpurutxo, Elosua, Kukuerri, Madariaga, Los Mártires and Urrategi.
Taking the time to visit them, and stopping as often as needed is a real pleasure for the relaxed, unhurried visitor.
The nucleus offer the visitor one of the largest number of artistic monuments in the province.
The birthplace of famous pelota players, it is worth men- tioning the following monuments in this town: "Santa María La Real" parish church, "San Martín de Iraurgi" hermitage on a hill overlooking the town centre, Santa Cruz convent, Santa Clara monastery, the fortied houses of Altuna- Portu, Balda, Floreaga or Larraspuru, Idiakez or Etxebeltz, Isasaga, Leturiondo, and Intxausti, the latter being the seat of the "Caballeritos de Azcoitia" (a group of Enlightened Basque noblemen).
Beautiful, interesting mountain trips to the surrounding mountains. The most important are: Samiño summit (930 m) through Los Mártires district; Kakusta (942 m), a unique vantage point, through Madariaga district, and Irukutzeta (895 m) through Urrategi district.
Followin the Urola route up stream, along the route where until recently, the fondly remembered "Urola train" linked the towns of Zumaia and Zumarraga, and less than two kilometres before the Azkoitia exit, the traveller should note the crossing on the right that will show the way to Bergara through Elosua.
A remarkable road that quickly goes up over the Urola Valley, reaching Elosua and Itxumendi passes, and then descending to Bergara in the Valley of the River Deba. The fascinating location of Elosua district will catch the visitor's attention. San Andrés church, the pelota court opposite Irixaun farmstead, and the old school with the nearby cemetery are the decorative features of this quiet spot.
Driving down a narrow, winding road of great tourist interest to arrive in...
BERGARA. Together with Oñati, our next stop is the most aristocratic town in Gipuzkoa, due to the number of architectural monuments that can be seen there. The River Deba flows through this town, where industrial areas, new buildings, parks, etc. have been built on both banks.
After a relaxing rest in the leafy Oxirondo Park, where one can ejoy the quietness of the place, the visitor can take his time over visiting the centre and other streets of the town.
Soon, the magnitude of "Santa María de Oxirondo (Santamaña)" parish church will attract the visitor's attention. It is rivalled by "San Pedro de Ariznoa" parish church across the river, in the town centre. Then, we come across Arostegi, Arrese, Gabiria, Izagirre and Laureaga Palacial-Houses, Moyua and Olaso Houses, Ozaeta Palace, and the square with the Town Hall and the Courthouse.
After a short break, La Trinidad convent, and "San Miguel de Arizeta" hermitage, situated on a hill overlooking the valley, complete the journey.
Agerre granary, Bergara.
For the vistor eager for surprises, Bergara offers a sight almost unique in Gipuzkoa, which is the granary on the Agerra farmstead, in Goiko-Auzo district, near the town centre. And for the traveller fond of quiet spots surrounded by white farmsteads, Bergara provides interesting trips to the town districts. Among them, the most recommended for their attractive character are: Angiozar, Basalgo, Ubera, San Juan, Elosua, etc.
Bergara is an important industrial town with large factories and steel mills. It has a sports centre, a pelota court, and recreational and sports facilities.
The GI-627 (before C-6213) which runs parallel to the course of the Riber Deba, leads to the nearby Arrasate- Mondragón. Half way down is Elorregi district. On the left, crossing over the river bed of the Riber Deba, a 6 km drive along the C-580 brings the visitor to...
Historic buildings. Oñati.
OñATI. Geographically located in a wide valley, at the foot of Aizkorri massif. The whole town is a real architectural jewel. Like the former town, if offers the visitor very many places of artistic interest. Nearby the porticoed "Plaza de los Fueros" are the Town Hall, Lazarraga Palace, and "San Miguel Arcángel" parish church which has an interesting cloister. Close by is the University of Oñati, with its outstanding entrance, and an equally interesting cloister with a doble arcade.
Going through the narrow streets up to the other end of the town centre, one comes across Bidaurreta monastery. Nearby are San Martín Park, and San Martín hermitage under the shaded grove.
A number of stately homes, towers and palaces can be visited. The most import are: Antia, Garibay, Lazarragas (Etxeaundi, Elazarra, and Azpikoa), Madinabeitia, Otadui, Olakua, Zubiaurre and Zumeltzegi.
A Corpus Christi celebration. Oñati. (see "Festivities").
The natural beauty of this priviledged enclave in Gipuzkoa is just as important as the artistic values of its numerous monuments. The enthusiastic, interested traveller should not miss some of these unutterably beautiful spots.
We should mention:
The Shrine of "Nuestra Señora de Arantzazu".
And finally, ARANTZAZU (formerly Uribarri-Garaikoa) Very few places in Gipuzkoa have the degree and variety of interest that Arantzazu has. Set in the heart of the Arantzazu or Urkullu-Erreka watercourse, the Shrine of Nuestra Señora de Arantzazu stands in the middle of a rugged spot in Aloña range in Aizkorri. Of a sculpture-like architecture, the shrine combines the classical temple's magnificence with a modern conception of the art of architecture. On the way in, between two unique towers, are the well known sculptures of the apostles by the sculptor Jorge de Oteiza.
Arantzazu is the departure point of mountain trips to the Aizkorri range (see the alternative route to the mountains).
On September 9, the feast day of Our Lady of Arantzazu, people from all over the Basque Country come to the place on a traditional pilgrimage.
[ Index | Presentation | Guide Searchs | Guest Book | Versión en Español | Main Server ]