Errenteria: Old Town, Fortresses and River History

In Errenteria’s historic quarter, the layout of its streets, plots and blocks of houses displays a distinctly medieval structure; the quarter comprises seven streets and is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural.

Culture and History

At the edge of the town, at the end of a block, stands the medieval Casa Torre Torrekua, which protected one of its gates.

The Palacio Barroco de Zubiaurre is an 18th-century Baroque palace that enclosed the town at one end and protected one of its gates.

The church of the Augustinian convent has a single nave and a barrel vault with lunettes. Its Neoclassical entrance with a round arch is framed by columns on pedestals and a small entablature.

The Augustinian convent, also known as La Trinidad, was founded around 1543 by Bárbara, Catalina and Mari Juan de Asteasu.

The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción preserves an altar of souls that forms part of a Flemish triptych from the 15th or 16th century.

The pilgrimage basilica of María Magdalena was associated with the support of pilgrims on the Way of Saint James and also served in the Middle Ages as a hospital and an infirmary for people suffering from Saint Lazarus’ disease.

The Jantziaren Zentroa is housed in a 17th-century building in Errenteria’s historic quarter and presents the development of clothing, as well as the history of fashion and dress in Euskal Herria and Europe.

The Jantziaren Zentroa displays three garments by Charles Frederick Worth and Cristóbal Balenciaga: two by Charles Frederick Worth and one by Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Coats of arms can be seen on the façades of Casa Solar Iturriza and the adjoining house; their installation is said to have been ordered by Admiral Iturriza at the end of the 18th century.

Saint Mark’s Day is celebrated on 25 April; this tradition includes special opilas, which godparents give to their unmarried godchildren.

Industry and River

The Molino de Fanderia – Casa del río bears witness to Errenteria’s industrial development. Its water power was already used in the 15th century to operate an ironworks, which over time was converted into a fanderia, a mill, and a flour and animal-feed factory.

The Molino de Fanderia is also Ibaiaren Etxea, a river interpretation centre dedicated to promoting and preserving the natural and cultural heritage.

At the Molino de Fanderia, visitors can see the working mill mechanism and millstones, as well as audiovisual media and information panels.

The guided tour “Viaje a «La pequeña Manchester»” explores industrialisation in Errenteria, is intended for people aged 13 and over, and lasts 1.5 hours.

Nature and Trails

Fuerte de San Marcos is a military complex built in the 19th century on Monte Bizarain at an elevation of 260 m above Errenteria, and today forms part of the recreational and cultural area of Lau Haizeta Nature Park.

From Fuerte de San Marcos, the bays of La Concha, Pasaia and Txingudi can be seen.

Marked trails run around Fuerte de San Marcos and Fuerte de Txoritokieta.

The Vía Verde de Arditurri is a walking and cycling trail connected to Errenteria’s Bidegorri and follows the route of the former railway line that linked the Arditurri mines with the port of Pasaia.

The approved trails in Errenteria offer opportunities to discover nature and natural heritage, including the Aiako Harria Nature Park and Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 network, the Añarbe Forest Reserve, Lau Haizeta Park and healthy trails along the Oiartzun River.

More destinations

More destinations include Zaldivia, Elduain, Mondragón, Pasaia, Errezil, Astigarraga, San Sebastián and Mendaro.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gipuzkoa.