Discover Urretxu: History, Nature and Culture

History and Culture

Urretxu was founded in 1383 through a Carta Puebla granted by John I of Castile and placed itself under the protection of the king. The Camino Real de Coches passed through Urretxu and was the most important transport route from the capital of the kingdom to France.

The historic quarter includes parts of Iparragirre Street, also known as Bekokale or Calle Mayor, and Jauregi Street, also known as Goikokale. The buildings Faktorekoa, Bikariokoa and Galdosenea belong to this quarter. They are stately homes belonging to wealthy merchants or royal officials from the mid-16th century.

Palacio Korralgoa is a 17th-century palace that belonged to the distinguished Ipeñarrieta family and is now used as Urretxu Town Hall. José María Iparragirre Balerdi was born on 12 August 1820 in Alzola etxea, at today's address Iparragirre No. 8, formerly Calle Mayor.

At Urretxu Cemetery, the Askatasun egarria mausoleum by José María Iparragirre was inaugurated on 5 April 1981 on the occasion of the centenary of his death. It is shaped like a dolmen and rests on seven pillars bearing the coats of arms of the seven Basque provinces. The work was created by José Vicente Lasa from Urretxu.

The Iglesia Parroquial de San Martin de Tours features a Romanesque or Renaissance-style wooden church dome dating from the mid-16th century. According to the municipality, this dome is unique among churches of comparable rank throughout Gipuzkoa. It was designed by the sculptor, architect and artist Juan de Lizarazu, who was from Urretxu.

Nature and Trails

The Santa Barbara area offers hiking trails for all ability levels. Easy walks lead around the hermitage, while more challenging routes feature considerable differences in elevation.

The Santa Barbara meadow has several barbecue areas. Tables and benches are distributed throughout the area.

Volcanic rocks can be seen along the cycle path on the former route of the Urola railway. Particularly favorable outcrops are located shortly before the Aizkibel Tunnel and behind the Izuskitza Tunnel.

In the south of the municipality of Urretxu, the facies of the Black Flysch can be observed, especially on the northernmost slopes of the Mugitegi industrial estate.

Markets and Events

A market takes place every Thursday throughout the year in Plaza Gernikako Arbola. The Feria de Minerales, fósiles y gemas takes place annually in Urretxu on the first weekend of November. Exhibitors from various parts of the region and the surrounding area take part in the fair.

Find more destinations here: Escoriaza, Azkoitia, Zestoa, Éibar, Zegama, Hernani, Gaztelu, San Sebastián.

Getting There

The Cercanías San Sebastián commuter train can be accessed in the immediate vicinity of Urretxu via Zumarraga station.

To the main travel overview: Gipuzkoa.