Zubialde: Routes and Building History

Zubialde is the civic and administrative centre of Zeberio. The routes and the Ermita de San Antolín y San Roque offer different points of reference for finding your way around: the trails show connections between the village and its surroundings, while the ermita has a building history that differs from its intended function as a parish church. If you are looking for a hotel in Zubialde, you can first consider whether a circular route, different surroundings or local history is especially important to your plans.

Routes with different connections to the area

The NER12 route passes through parts of Zubialde’s town centre, goes through Ermitabarri and reaches Albitzu-Undurraga. In Zeberio, it follows a winding course with many shady sections and passes through residential, transport, rural and natural environments. Its description therefore covers several local connections and different types of surroundings. The winding course and shady sections add further features of the trail to these spatial details.

The PR 11 circular route is 17 kilometres long, starts and ends in Zubialde’s square, and offers a shorter option at Apala. By comparison, NER12 is characterised by its route through parts of the town centre, Ermitabarri and on to Albitzu-Undurraga, as well as by its varied surroundings. The routes therefore differ in the information available for planning: the PR 11 is described as a circular route, with its length and starting and ending point specified; for NER12, the route and surroundings are the main focus. The shorter option at Apala is another way to plan the PR 11.

The description of the circular route dates from 2016; trail conditions and signage may change. Check both before setting out. An information board was installed in Zubialde’s square when the PR 11 was introduced. A description from 2016 reports this installation. It is best to check on site whether the board is still there.

The square connects two specific local points of reference: it is the starting and ending point of the PR 11 and also the location of the Ermita de San Antolín y San Roque. The square can therefore be considered both as a reference point for the circular route and in relation to the ermita’s building history.

The Ermita de San Antolín y San Roque

The deconsecrated ermita stands in Zubialde’s square. Its former portico is now used as a shop. If you are planning to visit the interior, check the situation on site. The building can therefore be understood in terms of its location in the square, its original purpose and the current use of its former portico.

Construction of the ermita as a parish church began in 1964, but it never served that purpose. After it was completed, it was downgraded to a chapel. The sequence of events is important: the building was intended to be a parish church, but never fulfilled this function and was given a different status after completion. For those interested in local history, the ermita is a tangible point of reference that shows the difference between the building’s intended function and the one it actually took on.

When looking for hotels in Zubialde, you can use the routes and the square as reference points for your travel plans. Compare specific hotel offers based on their stated location and amenities, and on which of the local and cultural connections described are relevant to your stay.

Discover more destinations: Arrieta, Ibarrangelu, Loiu, Abadiño, Sanfuentes, Ziortza-Bolibar, Larrabetzu, Busturi-Axpe

For the wider travel overview: Bizkaia.