Discover Markina-Xemein on the Way of Saint James

Markina-Xemein lies on the coastal Way of Saint James, which runs along the Basque coast to Santiago de Compostela.

Trails and Pilgrimage Routes

The Urko bidea is a walking path approximately 5 kilometres long that follows the course of the Urko River from Barinaga to Markina-Xemein and passes through Etxebarria; it is used for recreation, walking and spending time in nature. Pedestrians have priority on the Urko Trail. Bicycles and all motor vehicles are prohibited there.

The PR-BI 27 trail to Urregarai and Santa Eufemia follows the route taken by pilgrims every year on Saint Euphemia’s Day, 16 September. A public transport connection runs from Munitibar via Bolibar and Markina-Xemein to Etxebarria.

Other destinations on the same level are Bermeo, Zierbena, Sestao, Areatza, Durango, Zubialde, Gautegiz Arteaga and Orduña.

Culture and History

The Markina-Xemein cultural heritage route is a self-guided circular walk with 20 stops and includes monuments as well as historic and religious buildings. In 1996, the old town of Markina-Xemein was classified as cultural heritage in the category "Monumental Ensemble" and placed under a special protection status.

The Church of Xemein is designated a National Monument of Euskadi. Its rectangular floor plan comprises three naves separated by six limestone columns, as well as a star-shaped ribbed vault. The Xemein cemetery is also designated a National Monument of Euskadi; it is a Neoclassical cemetery from the mid-19th century.

The frontón of Markina-Xemein is known as the "University of Pelota"; its first building was erected in the 18th century. Torre Bidarte is a Baroque palace concealing a medieval tower. The medieval Torre Barroeta was modified in the 16th and 18th centuries and retains loopholes, twin windows and two entrances with pointed arches. Torre Ugarte retains an entrance with a pointed arch, corbels, loopholes and pointed-arch openings.

The general assemblies of the Markina Merindad met on the hill above the ancestral home of the Murga family, near the present-day Iparraguirre water tank and at the Sagastiguren tree. The Santa Cruz hermitage has been documented since the 16th century and is considered an old wayside shrine or historic wayside cross at an entrance to the town. In the gardens of Uhagón Palace stands a monument to Juan Antonio Moguel created by Xiri Andonegi.

Landscape and Special Places

The Chapel of San Miguel de Arretxinaga stands on the Way of Saint James at the point where the Artibai and Urko rivers converge. The chapel contains a hydrothermal geological formation resulting from a process that took place approximately 40 million years ago.

Torre Bidarte Park is a publicly accessible woodland park and forms the forest of Murga Palace. The summit of Akarregi offers views of Markina-Xemein and the surrounding area.

Festivals and Regional Products

The Fiestas del Carmen are Markina-Xemein’s most important local festival. They take place in July around 16 July, Día del Carmen, and usually last four to five days. The traditional table dance Mahai Ganeko is performed at midnight on 29 September by the local group Zerutxu Dantza Taldea.

At the local markets and traditional festivals of Markina-Xemein, products from the farmsteads are displayed and sold, including cheese, bread, pastries, vegetables, chistorra, meat, txakoli and cider. The large October fair takes place on the second Saturday in October. It includes a livestock exhibition, the Euskadi championship for the Blonde d’Aquitaine breed, an exhibition of animals from Euskal Herria, as well as the exhibition and sale of agricultural products and equipment.

Cultural Centre

The Uhagon Cultural Centre offers an exhibition space, a conference room and a cafeteria.

For the overview of the higher-level travel destination: Bizkaia.