Discover Murua: Trails, Caves and Local History

Hiking and Trails

In Murua, the Senda Murua begins at the small Parrachi car park beside the road to the Canteras recreation area, immediately after passing through Murua. The Senda Murua first runs through an old oak forest and then through meadows and heathland. Where the Senda Murua connects with the Senda Zubialde, you will find Murua’s fully restored mill.

Nature

The protected network of trails in Gorbeia Nature Park includes the Senda Murua and allows hikers to see traces of human history such as dolmens, menhirs, charcoal-burning sites, mills and shepherds’ huts. The second Gorbeia route via the quarries is 8,500 m long, passes through Murua to the recreation area and from there climbs towards Mount Gorbeia along several possible routes.

The “Zubialde–Lisaranda–Zubialde” biological itinerary begins and ends near Murua at the Canteras de Murua car park. Also nearby is the Canteras de Murua recreation area in the Gorbeia reservoirs area, 3.7 km from the village of Murua; it has tables, wooden benches and chemical toilets. The municipal excursion “Árboles especiales 1” suggests visiting the Murua and Etxaguen area to learn about notable trees.

The Mairuelegorreta Caves form a labyrinth of caverns extending for more than 12 kilometres, with striking formations. The caves are considered an ancient source of fossil water and are associated with numerous traditions, legends and historical accounts. When climbing from Murua to Gorbeia, you can take a detour to the Mairuelegorreta Caves.

Activities

Visitors come to Murua to go mountaineering in Gorbeia Nature Park and to forage for mushrooms and chestnuts. Murua’s patron saint festivities take place on 30 November in honour of Saint Andrew. The celebration in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua takes place in Murua on 13 June and includes a Mass followed by a communal meal. Traditional skittles is still practised in Murua and continues through regular provincial competitions.

History

In the 18th century, an important livestock fair was held beside the San Antonio hermitage in Murua, now the parish church. The Ortiz de Zárate family built a palace with a coat of arms and private oratory in Murua; it also contained furniture, paintings and other 18th-century elements.

The former San Antonio hermitage is now Murua’s parish church. The building features Romanesque details and several paintings, and apparently also incorporated elements from the ruins of the San Andrés church after the war. The site of the former San Andrés church is located in the upper part of Murua; parking spaces and benches can be found there.

The section of the “Frente franquista 1 (Santo Tomás)” memorial route through Murua passes the Parratxi Bridge and Civil War trenches.

For the higher-level travel overview: Gopegi.