Lasarte-Oria: Trails, History and Culture

In Lasarte-Oria, the Andoain–Lasarte-Oria hiking trail covers a distance of 7.9 kilometres. The route either climbs Buruntza or goes around the mountain. It can only be completed on foot; sturdy footwear is required.

The route therefore includes both Buruntza and the option of going around the mountain. The trail connects Andoain and Lasarte-Oria and, along the route described, is exclusively for walking. The footwear requirement is directly associated with this route and applies to its entire length.

Hiking and Trails

A second route leads from Lasarte-Oria to Urnieta and is 3.9 kilometres long. It can be completed on foot or by bicycle. Sports footwear is required for this route. The Lasarte-Oria–Usurbil–Aginaga route covers 4.5 kilometres as far as Santuenea and 9.0 kilometres as far as Aginaga. Walking and cycling are also possible here; sports footwear is required. The Marcha Familiar de Lasarte-Oria is a hiking route for all age groups. Between points 6 and 7, the route follows the former Plazaola railway line.

The routes described therefore lead from Lasarte-Oria to Urnieta, Usurbil, Santuenea and Aginaga. On the route via Usurbil, Santuenea and Aginaga mark two destinations at different distances along the same route. The former Plazaola railway line is mentioned only as the previous course of the section between points 6 and 7. The Marcha Familiar supplements the route descriptions with a route whose age specification explicitly includes all age groups.

History

The first settlement nucleus of the town of Lasarte-Oria emerged towards the end of the Middle Ages. It was located under the protection of the tower house of the Lasarte family. The tower house later passed into the possession of the Oquendo family. The medieval origins of Lasarte-Oria are associated with a settlement in the area surrounding the San Pedro hermitage. The medieval settlement of Lasarte-Oria was located at the confluence of several Camino de Santiago routes.

The local history thus brings together several clearly named reference points: the town’s first settlement nucleus, the tower house of the Lasarte family, the Oquendo family and the San Pedro hermitage. The timeframe remains focused on its emergence towards the end of the Middle Ages and the subsequent transfer of ownership of the tower house. The Camino de Santiago routes also form part of the description of the medieval settlement and are situated at their confluence.

Culture

The Church of San Pedro dates from the 16th century. Its floor plan is rectangular. The building is characterised by three naves of different heights. The Manuel Lekuona Cultural Centre offers an extensive programme every month. Film and music are among the programme items. Theatre and dance are also on the programme. Conferences round off the monthly cultural offering.

The church and cultural centre thus represent two different forms of cultural offering in Lasarte-Oria. In the case of San Pedro, the construction period, rectangular floor plan and three naves of differing heights have been documented.

Other destinations

Other destinations include Leintz-Gatzaga, Elgoibar, Hernani, Aizarnazabal, Zegama, Debabarrena, Azpeitia and Oiartzun.

Places

In the vicinity of Lasarte, in the Zubieta district on the border with Lasarte, lies the Hipódromo de Donostia-San Sebastián racecourse. Due to its location on the border with Lasarte, it is also known as Hipódromo de Lasarte.

To the main travel overview: Gipuzkoa.