Bermeo
Encyclopedia
Bermeo is a town and municipality in the sub-region of Busturialdea
and the wider province of Biscay
, part of the autonomous region of the Basque Country
, in Northern Spain
. Bermeo has 17,026 inhabitants and is the most important fishing
port of the Basque Country. The town was founded in 1236 and has the highest population of Busturialdea
's towns. Bermeo held the title of "Provincial Capital" between 1476 and 1602.
The town has a long maritime tradition and its economy is based on the fishing industry.
Bermeo has tourist attractions such as the tiny island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
, the Ercilla tower (a fishing museum), the Saint Juan gate and the port itself.
Bermeo is linked by the EuskoTren
(train service) and Bizkaibus
(bus service) to Bilbao
.
Don Lope Díaz II of Haro, Gentleman of Biscay, gave him jurisdiction of Logroño and title of Town and although the document had date, definitely was issued the year 1236. The King Don Alfonso X The Wise confirmed this privilege the 12th of August of 1277, finding in the ring of the castle of Unzueta of the Valley of Orozco.
Later, on 18 March 1285, the eighth Gentleman, Don Lope Díaz of Haro, expanded and improved his terms, and the same did the Gentleman Don Tello, for privilege issued on 25 April 1366.
Several Gentlemen of Biscay and at the same time kings Spaniard confirmed the Jurisdictions and Privileges of the Town in the Church of Saint Eufemia. Between them, Fernando the Catholic, who confirmed the town as a "Capital of Biscay" on 31 of July in the year 1476, title which Bermeo did time employed and that it was him snatched in 1602 after hard and long suit interposed by the national heroes that governed Bilbao and other institutions of the Domain, that do not go to resign to the fact that, Bermeo followed having such distinction.
Nevertheless, the primacy that came keeping Bermeo in regard to the other Towns and small locations translates in the fact that in the General Boards had the first vote and seat, and when spoke his attorneys were used to discover his heads the others that found in the Board. At present, the head of elderly than figure how one of the arms of his shield heraldry, demonstrate and perpetuates in all fairness the snatched title.
The importance that had Bermeo can deduce because of the numerous privileges and exemptions that achieved of the Gentlemen and of the Kings. Unfortunally the diverse fires that suffered the Town destroyed all these documents, although his enumeration and his dates of obtened are well known. This shows the prestige that the Town kept and the favour which all the time had.
The fights of the biscain fighters disturbed the life of Bermeo during the 15th century and with the fires its suffered in previous centuries (specifically in the years 1297, 1347,1360, 1422) ruined Bermeo and its population diminished continuously.
On the other hand, the foundation of the Town of Bilbao in 1300 contributed notably to the decadence of Bermeo.
At a later date, new fires, one of them the one of the year 1504, affecting to all the Town, dealted a harsh blow to Bermeo, putting at risk even his own survival.
In the decade of 1990 and until the year 2000 the population has diminished, but since this same year, the immigration has gone back to appear in the town and the population, in spite of small variations, tends on the rise.
Besides, they exist several companies devoted to the preserves of fish between which are necessary to highlight "Zallo", "Serrats" and "Salica", between others. But the industry does not base only in the preserves of fish, exist several companies like "Wartsila Ibérica" where diesel engines, articles for crafts and terrestrial installations of generation of energy are built.
In the port, exists a commercial port zone which receive diverse raw material around the year. We find in the same dock undertaken consignment of fuselages and big warehouses.
There are also different companies tied to the timber industry. On the other hand, the centre of innovation "DenokInn" is allocated to the study of new labour alternatives and creation of employment.
Another relevant company is the platform of gas "La Gaviota", which treats the gas from the maritime platform call in the same way.
(12 km). The capital, Bilbao
(33 km), is connected with the town through the roads BI-631, as well as BI-2235.
Bermeo possesses besides different services of bus, train, taxi and urban bus.
offers different lines of bus that connect the town with different destinations:
offers different lines of railway that join the town directly with Bilbao and the towns that remain to his step; and by means of transfer the east towns of Biscay
and Gipuzkoa.
On the road to Bakio we can find the lighthouse of Matxitxako, in the cape which has the same name. Further on, we can find the isle called Akatz, next to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a peninsula linked by a bridge. In the 14th century there was a castle on the top of the isle. Nowadays, there is the hermitage of Saint Juan.
On the 24th of June people use to celebrate a procession to the hermitage from Bermeo. A lot of people from different places use to come to participate in that procession. On the 29th of August, there is a mass to celebrate the day of Saint Juan. Finally, on the 31st of December there used to be another mass to say goodbye the year.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is the most attractive tourists place in the Basque Country and thousands of visitors visit it every year.
The isle and its environment are considered protected area.
This isle is situated next to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Its a small isle with a few vegetation and an important population of birds.
In this cape there is the lighthouse called Matxitxako. There is the old lighthouse too, which is out of order and the new one is which is operating. This place offers good sights of the coast and cetaceans can be looked from there.
This isle is located in front of the Urdaibai's Reserve. On the top of the isle there was an hermitage until the 13th century. Then, the Magdalena's hermitage was built. Nowadays, its a protected reserve included in the Urdaibai's Reserve where a lot of birds nest.
In the old town there are a lot of houses painted with different colours and narrow streets with some squares too.
Aritzatxu its a small beach which is an attractive place to sunbathe and swim in its clear water during the summer. It has different services like rescue team, a beach's police, toilets WC and a bar.
It was one of the 30 towers that defended Bermeo in the Half Age and the only tower that remains in foot. It is situated strategically on the old port and was built to ends of the XV. century. It is a house-tower, the home of the Ercilla's family. Some of them were famous, for example Fortún García of Ercilla and Alonso Ercilla and Zúñiga, author of The Araucana. During centuries the tower was used for different activities, forgetting his committed military; it served like house of fishermen and warehouses of fish. In 1948 was reformed the facade, finding Gothic arches and appointed it like the Fisherman's Museum. In 1984 and 1985 more reforms were done.
It was built by Severino Atxukarro in 1894 and it fell in 1983 to consequence of some floods. It was built again and its considered inside the eclepticisme. It finds in the Lamera Park. The different zones of the building are used for diverse activities, on the one hand finds the room of exhibitions and conferences "Nestor Basterretxea" and by another there is a restaurant that receives the central space of the building. In the other side there is an Irish pub and a café.
It is situated in the square Sabino Arana Goiri and it was built in 1732. In his facade can observe two solar clocks and is also considered Artistic Historical Monument.
It can be classed inside the "Basque Rationalism". It is a building whose structure remembers us a ship and its Artistic Historical Monument since 1995.
Its a modernist building which was built by Pedro Ispizua.
Busturialdea
Busturialdea, also named Busturialde - Urdaibai is a comarca of the province of Biscay, in the Basque Country, Spain. It is the heir of "Busturia", one of the original merindades that used to compose the province of Biscay, which should not be confused with Busturia, which is a municipality located...
and the wider province of Biscay
Biscay
Biscay is a province of Spain and a historical territory of the Basque Country, heir of the ancient Lord of Biscay. Its capital city is Bilbao...
, part of the autonomous region of the Basque Country
Basque Country (autonomous community)
The Basque Country is an autonomous community of northern Spain. It includes the Basque provinces of Álava, Biscay and Gipuzkoa, also called Historical Territories....
, in Northern Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. Bermeo has 17,026 inhabitants and is the most important fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
port of the Basque Country. The town was founded in 1236 and has the highest population of Busturialdea
Busturialdea
Busturialdea, also named Busturialde - Urdaibai is a comarca of the province of Biscay, in the Basque Country, Spain. It is the heir of "Busturia", one of the original merindades that used to compose the province of Biscay, which should not be confused with Busturia, which is a municipality located...
's towns. Bermeo held the title of "Provincial Capital" between 1476 and 1602.
The town has a long maritime tradition and its economy is based on the fishing industry.
Bermeo has tourist attractions such as the tiny island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Gaztelugatxe is a tiny island on the coast of Biscay belonging to the municipality of Bermeo, in Basque Country . It is connected to the mainland by a man made bridge...
, the Ercilla tower (a fishing museum), the Saint Juan gate and the port itself.
Bermeo is linked by the EuskoTren
EuskoTren
EuskoTren is a commuter rail service which operates in the Basque Country provinces of Biscay and Gipuzkoa. It is one of the three commercial brands of the public society owned by the Basque Government, Eusko Trenbideak - Ferrocarriles Vascos...
(train service) and Bizkaibus
BizkaiBus
BizkaiBus is the name for bus services serving the province of Biscay, Spain. It is named after the Basque name of the province, Bizkaia. The buses can be identified by their distinctive yellow colour scheme....
(bus service) to Bilbao
Bilbao
Bilbao ) is a Spanish municipality, capital of the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. With a population of 353,187 , it is the largest city of its autonomous community and the tenth largest in Spain...
.
Neighbourhoods
Bermeo's neighbourhoods are:- Arana
- Artike
- Agirre
- San Andres
- Almike
- Arronategi
- San Migel
- Demiku
- Mañu
- San Pelaio
The neighbouring regions
- The Bay of BiscayBay of BiscayThe Bay of Biscay is a gulf of the northeast Atlantic Ocean located south of the Celtic Sea. It lies along the western coast of France from Brest south to the Spanish border, and the northern coast of Spain west to Cape Ortegal, and is named in English after the province of Biscay, in the Spanish...
in the north. - BakioBakioBakio is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain. Famed locally for its stunning beach with steep cliffs but golden sands, the town has recently undergone significant urban renewal with the construction of new blocks...
in the west. - MundakaMundakaMundaka is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain. On the coast, Mundaka is internationally-renowned for its surfing scene....
in the east. - MungiaMungiaMungia is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. Thetown has 15,000 inhabitants.-Geography:...
and MeñakaMeñakaMeñaka is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain.-External links:*...
in the south-east. - BusturiaBusturiaBusturia is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain.-External links:*...
and ArrietaArrietaArrieta is a small town in the province of Biscay, in the Autonomous Community of Basque country, northern Spain.The town is located in the upper fields of Sollube, one of the highest mountains in this area.-External links:*...
in the south.
| North-west: Bay of Biscay Bay of Biscay The Bay of Biscay is a gulf of the northeast Atlantic Ocean located south of the Celtic Sea. It lies along the western coast of France from Brest south to the Spanish border, and the northern coast of Spain west to Cape Ortegal, and is named in English after the province of Biscay, in the Spanish... |
North: Bay of Biscay Bay of Biscay The Bay of Biscay is a gulf of the northeast Atlantic Ocean located south of the Celtic Sea. It lies along the western coast of France from Brest south to the Spanish border, and the northern coast of Spain west to Cape Ortegal, and is named in English after the province of Biscay, in the Spanish... |
North-east: Bay of Biscay Bay of Biscay The Bay of Biscay is a gulf of the northeast Atlantic Ocean located south of the Celtic Sea. It lies along the western coast of France from Brest south to the Spanish border, and the northern coast of Spain west to Cape Ortegal, and is named in English after the province of Biscay, in the Spanish... |
| West: Bakio Bakio Bakio is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain. Famed locally for its stunning beach with steep cliffs but golden sands, the town has recently undergone significant urban renewal with the construction of new blocks... |
 |
East: Mundaka Mundaka Mundaka is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain. On the coast, Mundaka is internationally-renowned for its surfing scene.... |
| South-west Mungia Mungia Mungia is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. Thetown has 15,000 inhabitants.-Geography:... and Meñaka Meñaka Meñaka is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain.-External links:*... |
South: Busturia Busturia Busturia is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain.-External links:*... and Arrieta Arrieta Arrieta is a small town in the province of Biscay, in the Autonomous Community of Basque country, northern Spain.The town is located in the upper fields of Sollube, one of the highest mountains in this area.-External links:*... |
South-east: Busturia Busturia Busturia is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain.-External links:*... |
Climate
Bermeo enjoys a coastal ocean climate with heavy precipitation in Spring and late Autumn. The average annual minimum temperature is around 48°F (9°C) and the maximum around 68°F (20°C). However, the record Summer temperatures was 113°F (45°C) and the record minimum was 16°F (-9°C).| Average climatic parameters of Bermeo | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan January January is the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and one of seven months with the length of 31 days. The first day of the month is known as New Year's Day... |
Feb February February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is the shortest month and the only month with fewer than 30 days. The month has 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years... |
Mar March March is in present time held to be the third month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is one of the seven months which are 31 days long.... |
Apr April April is the fourth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars, and one of four months with a length of 30 days. April was originally the second month of the Roman calendar, before January and February were added by King Numa Pompilius about 700 BC... |
May May May is the fifth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of seven months with the length of 31 days.May is a month of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere and spring in the Northern Hemisphere... |
Jun June June is the sixth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and one of the four months with a length of 30 days. Ovid provides two etymologies for June's name in his poem concerning the months entitled the Fasti... |
Jul July July is the seventh month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of seven months with the length of 31 days. It is, on average, the warmest month in most of the Northern hemisphere and the coldest month in much of the Southern hemisphere... |
Aug August August is the eighth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of seven months with a length of 31 days.This month was originally named Sextilis in Latin, because it was the sixth month in the original ten-month Roman calendar under Romulus in 753 BC, when March was the first... |
Sep September September is the 9th month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of four months with a length of 30 days.September in the Southern Hemisphere is the seasonal equivalent of March in the Northern Hemisphere.... |
Oct October October is the tenth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of seven months with a length of 31 days. The eighth month in the old Roman calendar, October retained its name after January and February were inserted into the calendar that had originally been created by the... |
Nov November November is the 11th month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of four months with the length of 30 days. November was the ninth month of the ancient Roman calendar... |
Dec December December is the 12th and last month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Calendars and one of seven months with the length of 31 days.December starts on the same day as September every year and ends on the same day as April every year.-Etymology:... |
Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°F) | 55.4 | 59 | 60.8 | 62.6 | 68 | 74 | 77 | 79 | 75.2 | 68 | 60.8 | 57.2 | |
| Average minimum temperature (°F) | 41 | 41 | 42.8 | 44.6 | 50 | 55.4 | 59 | 59 | 55.4 | 50 | 44.6 | 42.8 | |
| Precipitations (mm) | 126 | 97 | 94 | 124 | 90 | 64 | 62 | 82 | 74 | 121 | 141 | 116 | |
| Fuente: AEM Agencia Estatal de Meteorología Agencia Estatal de Meteorología, AEMET is the Spain's meteorological agency, under the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino .... |
|||||||||||||
History
The documentary news more ancient of Bermeo is the consigned in the donation that did the first Gentleman of Biscay, Don lñigo López "Ezkerra" and his wife Mrs Toda, of estate in San Juan of Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo to the monastery of San Juan of the Crag the year 1051. Years later, in 1082, goes back to quote the name of Bermeo in the donation that did Don Lope lñiguez, second Gentleman, and his wife Doña Tecla, to the Monastery of Saint Millán of the Cogolla, of the Church of "Sancti Michaelis Arcangeli in Portu of Vermelio". These documents speak of the antiquity of Bermeo, although it rotted to trace back to periods very previous. Then some legends situate the foundation of the ancient port of the Amanos in Túbal, downward of Noe, 150 years after the deluge, or for the Romans to the 1st century B. C. Under the government of the emperor Flavio Vespasiano.Don Lope Díaz II of Haro, Gentleman of Biscay, gave him jurisdiction of Logroño and title of Town and although the document had date, definitely was issued the year 1236. The King Don Alfonso X The Wise confirmed this privilege the 12th of August of 1277, finding in the ring of the castle of Unzueta of the Valley of Orozco.
Later, on 18 March 1285, the eighth Gentleman, Don Lope Díaz of Haro, expanded and improved his terms, and the same did the Gentleman Don Tello, for privilege issued on 25 April 1366.
Several Gentlemen of Biscay and at the same time kings Spaniard confirmed the Jurisdictions and Privileges of the Town in the Church of Saint Eufemia. Between them, Fernando the Catholic, who confirmed the town as a "Capital of Biscay" on 31 of July in the year 1476, title which Bermeo did time employed and that it was him snatched in 1602 after hard and long suit interposed by the national heroes that governed Bilbao and other institutions of the Domain, that do not go to resign to the fact that, Bermeo followed having such distinction.
Nevertheless, the primacy that came keeping Bermeo in regard to the other Towns and small locations translates in the fact that in the General Boards had the first vote and seat, and when spoke his attorneys were used to discover his heads the others that found in the Board. At present, the head of elderly than figure how one of the arms of his shield heraldry, demonstrate and perpetuates in all fairness the snatched title.
The importance that had Bermeo can deduce because of the numerous privileges and exemptions that achieved of the Gentlemen and of the Kings. Unfortunally the diverse fires that suffered the Town destroyed all these documents, although his enumeration and his dates of obtened are well known. This shows the prestige that the Town kept and the favour which all the time had.
The fights of the biscain fighters disturbed the life of Bermeo during the 15th century and with the fires its suffered in previous centuries (specifically in the years 1297, 1347,1360, 1422) ruined Bermeo and its population diminished continuously.
On the other hand, the foundation of the Town of Bilbao in 1300 contributed notably to the decadence of Bermeo.
At a later date, new fires, one of them the one of the year 1504, affecting to all the Town, dealted a harsh blow to Bermeo, putting at risk even his own survival.
Population
Because of the immigration come with the industrialisation of the decade of 1960 the population grew of an important way.In the decade of 1990 and until the year 2000 the population has diminished, but since this same year, the immigration has gone back to appear in the town and the population, in spite of small variations, tends on the rise.
| Year |
1704 |
1784 |
1850 |
1900 |
1925 |
1960 |
1965 |
1970 |
1975 |
1981 |
1986 |
1991 |
1996 |
| Inhabitants |
1.408 |
3.711 |
5.377 |
9.636 |
11.525 |
13.556 |
15.846 |
17.384 |
17.485 |
18.312 |
18.333 |
17.923 |
17.176 |
| Year |
2001 |
2004 |
2007 |
2008 |
2010 |
2011 |
| Inhabitants |
16.938 |
16.901 |
17.429 |
17.069 |
17.026 |
17.154 |
Economy
The economy of Bermeo has based mostly in the fishing activity. The port has been the main source of revenue of the town. Bermeo possesses an important fleet of deep-seas and the fleet of inshore fishing more important of Euskadi. The confrerie of fishermen "San Pedro" is one of the most important of Biscay, having big activity and entry of fish.Besides, they exist several companies devoted to the preserves of fish between which are necessary to highlight "Zallo", "Serrats" and "Salica", between others. But the industry does not base only in the preserves of fish, exist several companies like "Wartsila Ibérica" where diesel engines, articles for crafts and terrestrial installations of generation of energy are built.
In the port, exists a commercial port zone which receive diverse raw material around the year. We find in the same dock undertaken consignment of fuselages and big warehouses.
There are also different companies tied to the timber industry. On the other hand, the centre of innovation "DenokInn" is allocated to the study of new labour alternatives and creation of employment.
Another relevant company is the platform of gas "La Gaviota", which treats the gas from the maritime platform call in the same way.
Transportations
Bermeo is joined to Mungia (18 km) across the road BI-631 and to Gernika-Lumo (14 km) across the road BI-2235. Also it possesses the road BI-3101 that joins the town with BakioBakio
Bakio is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain. Famed locally for its stunning beach with steep cliffs but golden sands, the town has recently undergone significant urban renewal with the construction of new blocks...
(12 km). The capital, Bilbao
Bilbao
Bilbao ) is a Spanish municipality, capital of the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country. With a population of 353,187 , it is the largest city of its autonomous community and the tenth largest in Spain...
(33 km), is connected with the town through the roads BI-631, as well as BI-2235.
Bermeo possesses besides different services of bus, train, taxi and urban bus.
Bizkaibus (Bus Service)
BizkaibusBizkaiBus
BizkaiBus is the name for bus services serving the province of Biscay, Spain. It is named after the Basque name of the province, Bizkaia. The buses can be identified by their distinctive yellow colour scheme....
offers different lines of bus that connect the town with different destinations:
- 3515 Bermeo - Gernika - Amorebieta - Bilbao (Monday to Friday at 6:30 to 22:00 each half hour / Saturdays, Sundays and festive of 6:30 to 22:30 each hour)
- 3527 Bermeo - MungiaMungiaMungia is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the Basque Country of northern Spain. Thetown has 15,000 inhabitants.-Geography:...
- Bilbao (Monday to Friday at 6:50 to 21:50 each hour / Saturdays, Sundays and festive of 9:50 to 20:50 each two hours)
- 3528 Bermeo - Mungia - DerioDerioDerio is a town and municipality located in the province of Biscay, in the autonomous community of Basque Country, northern Spain. It's part of Greater Bilbao and was part of the municipality of Bilbao until 1983 and hosts Bilbao's biggest municipal cemetery. It has a population of 5,107 .-External...
- UPV/EHU (University of the Basque CountryUniversity of the Basque CountryThe University of the Basque Country is the only public university in the Basque Country, in Northern Spain...
) (Monday to Friday at 6:40, 7:40, 8:40, 9:40, 13:40 / Weekends and festive there is not service)
- 3524 Bermeo - Bakio (Monday to Friday at 7:15 to 19:15 each two hours / Weekends and festive there is not service)
Euskotren (Train Service)
EuskotrenEuskoTren
EuskoTren is a commuter rail service which operates in the Basque Country provinces of Biscay and Gipuzkoa. It is one of the three commercial brands of the public society owned by the Basque Government, Eusko Trenbideak - Ferrocarriles Vascos...
offers different lines of railway that join the town directly with Bilbao and the towns that remain to his step; and by means of transfer the east towns of Biscay
Biscay
Biscay is a province of Spain and a historical territory of the Basque Country, heir of the ancient Lord of Biscay. Its capital city is Bilbao...
and Gipuzkoa.
- Bermeo - Bilbao (Monday to Friday at 6:18 to 20:48 each half hour and to the 21:35 and 22:35 / Saturdays, Sundays and festive at 7:43 to 21:43 each hour)
- Bermeo - Gernika - Amorebieta (Saturdays nocturnal service at 23:39, 1:18, 3:18, 5:18)
- Bermeo - Gernika (Saturdays nocturnal service at 22:43,7:43)
Taxi
There is a taxi station in the park called Lamera, where different taxis are available. The taxi station has a telephone.Bermibusa (Urban Bus)
Urban bus that joins different points of the town during the morning and the afternoon. (Monday to Friday)Tourism
Interesting Places- San Juan de GaztelugatxeSan Juan de GaztelugatxeGaztelugatxe is a tiny island on the coast of Biscay belonging to the municipality of Bermeo, in Basque Country . It is connected to the mainland by a man made bridge...
On the road to Bakio we can find the lighthouse of Matxitxako, in the cape which has the same name. Further on, we can find the isle called Akatz, next to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Gaztelugatxe is a tiny island on the coast of Biscay belonging to the municipality of Bermeo, in Basque Country . It is connected to the mainland by a man made bridge...
. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a peninsula linked by a bridge. In the 14th century there was a castle on the top of the isle. Nowadays, there is the hermitage of Saint Juan.
On the 24th of June people use to celebrate a procession to the hermitage from Bermeo. A lot of people from different places use to come to participate in that procession. On the 29th of August, there is a mass to celebrate the day of Saint Juan. Finally, on the 31st of December there used to be another mass to say goodbye the year.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is the most attractive tourists place in the Basque Country and thousands of visitors visit it every year.
The isle and its environment are considered protected area.
- The Akatz Isle
This isle is situated next to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Its a small isle with a few vegetation and an important population of birds.
- Matxitxako Cape
In this cape there is the lighthouse called Matxitxako. There is the old lighthouse too, which is out of order and the new one is which is operating. This place offers good sights of the coast and cetaceans can be looked from there.
- The Izaro isle
This isle is located in front of the Urdaibai's Reserve. On the top of the isle there was an hermitage until the 13th century. Then, the Magdalena's hermitage was built. Nowadays, its a protected reserve included in the Urdaibai's Reserve where a lot of birds nest.
- The Old Town
In the old town there are a lot of houses painted with different colours and narrow streets with some squares too.
- Aritzatxu Beach
Aritzatxu its a small beach which is an attractive place to sunbathe and swim in its clear water during the summer. It has different services like rescue team, a beach's police, toilets WC and a bar.
Interesting buildings
- Ercilla Tower (Fisherman's museum)
It was one of the 30 towers that defended Bermeo in the Half Age and the only tower that remains in foot. It is situated strategically on the old port and was built to ends of the XV. century. It is a house-tower, the home of the Ercilla's family. Some of them were famous, for example Fortún García of Ercilla and Alonso Ercilla and Zúñiga, author of The Araucana. During centuries the tower was used for different activities, forgetting his committed military; it served like house of fishermen and warehouses of fish. In 1948 was reformed the facade, finding Gothic arches and appointed it like the Fisherman's Museum. In 1984 and 1985 more reforms were done.
- The Casine (The club)
It was built by Severino Atxukarro in 1894 and it fell in 1983 to consequence of some floods. It was built again and its considered inside the eclepticisme. It finds in the Lamera Park. The different zones of the building are used for diverse activities, on the one hand finds the room of exhibitions and conferences "Nestor Basterretxea" and by another there is a restaurant that receives the central space of the building. In the other side there is an Irish pub and a café.
- Town Hall
It is situated in the square Sabino Arana Goiri and it was built in 1732. In his facade can observe two solar clocks and is also considered Artistic Historical Monument.
- Kikunbera house
It can be classed inside the "Basque Rationalism". It is a building whose structure remembers us a ship and its Artistic Historical Monument since 1995.
- Batzoki
Its a modernist building which was built by Pedro Ispizua.