Beasain: Ironworks, Igartza and Peaks

Beasain combines a history of ironworking with medieval cultural heritage and Basque mythology. In 1860, Gipuzkoa’s first ironworks, the San Martín Ironworks, was established in Beasain. This created a link between the ironworking past and industrial modernity.

Culture and history

The medieval monumental complex of Igartza includes a palace built in the 13th century. The parish church of San Martín de Loinaz is one of the notable sights in Beasain. Both names refer to historic buildings with their own chronological context: the palace dates back to the 13th century, while the San Martín Ironworks is associated with the year 1860 and industrial modernity. The palace and parish church also represent different building purposes within the local cultural landscape.

The burial mounds of Basagain are also among the historical traces. They are considered evidence that Beasain’s first inhabitants settled this area many centuries ago. Mount Murumendi is regarded in Basque mythology as the dwelling place of the figure Mari. The Museo Gorrotxategi museum is also located in the surroundings of Beasain. For those interested in culture, the topics therefore range from archaeological traces and mythological traditions to historic buildings and a museum.

From 1 July to 15 September, guided tours take place from Wednesday to Sunday at 11:30, 13:00, 16:30 and 18:00 at the Conjunto medieval de Igartza. Guided tours at set times can be planned as a separate programme item; current dates and opening hours should be checked before travelling. For seasonally scheduled tours, the period beginning on 1 September should also be taken into account.

Nature

Sagastigutia Park is home to more than 50 different tree species. Several named peaks are also located in the surroundings of Beasain: Txindoki / Larrunarri, Uraitz Gaina, Herniozabal Haitza and Putreaitza. Each of the four peak names refers to the surroundings of Beasain and complements the park with a distinctly mountainous landscape.

Further cultural destinations in the surrounding region

The wider region surrounding Beasain is home to the Museo Fotógrafico museum, the Palacio de Narros and the Museo de la Industria Armera. The Palacio de Narros is classified as a castle. The three destinations therefore lead to photography, a site classified as a castle, and industrial history.

Festivals and food

The Fiestas de Loinatz include municipal festivities with religious celebrations, sports competitions, traditional activities, games and performances for children, concerts, a fair, txarangas and street entertainment. At the Fiestas de Loinatz, religious celebrations, competitions, traditional activities and stage or street programmes alternate with one another. Event programmes with several formats may cover different times of day; current event dates should be checked before travelling.

At the Taller de talos, participants learn about the traditional preparation of talos and can then enjoy the result. A separate brotherhood dedicated to morcilla is named in Goierri and organises tasting competitions. At the Taller de talos, preparation is the focus, while the morcilla events are organised as tasting competitions by the aforementioned brotherhood.

Further destinations

Altzola, Deba, Errezil, Zaldivia, Errenteria, Bergara, Aizarnazabal and Lasarte-Oria

To the higher-level travel overview: Gipuzkoa.