Beizama: Sacred Sites, Megaliths and a Hiking Route

Townscape and Sacred Sites

When planning a stay in Beizama, you can focus on two distinct things: its architecture and sacred sites, or the “Beizamako mendietan” hiking route. The buildings have specific forms and historical contexts, while the route follows an old path, with its own markings and landscape. This distinction can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: would you rather explore the buildings and megalithic heritage, or include a hike in your plans?

The parish church of San Pedro is the oldest building in Beizama. The town hall has a porch with three arches. These details offer two different ways of looking at the town’s architecture: San Pedro stands out as the oldest building in the town, while the town hall is notable for a specific architectural feature. The arches are a detail of the porch, whereas the description of the church as the oldest building provides a relative context within Beizama. So, attention turns to San Pedro’s historical standing and to the form of the town hall’s porch.

The hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad adds to the sacred sites. It is located on the GI-3720 road between Beizama and Tolosa. Inside the hermitage is a small Stations of the Cross, created around 1730. This is an approximate date: it places the Stations of the Cross in a historical period without specifying a particular year. On Good Friday afternoon, a procession goes from the parish church of San Pedro to the hermitage. This connects two of the named sacred sites along the procession route.

Megalithic Site and Landscape

The Murumendi megalithic site includes Beizama and is listed as comprising seven monuments. The Maramendi Norte dolmen is listed as one of the site’s monuments. This distinguishes the general classification from a specific name: Murumendi refers to the site, and Maramendi Norte to one of the monuments listed there. The number seven refers to the site. This offers a different perspective from the buildings, whose features can be identified by looking at each individual structure and its historical context.

The “Beizamako mendietan” Route

The “Beizamako mendietan” route is a useful option for a hike. It follows the old path from Beizama to Errezil and is designated PR-Gi 144. The route description dates from 2016. Check the markings and conditions locally if you plan to hike it. The route passes through forests and meadows. Beizama lies at the foot of the Urraki, Illaun and Beleku mountains.

This gives you a clear choice of focus when planning your trip: the buildings, sacred sites and megalithic site highlight the area’s local and cultural history, while the route offers a distinct hiking experience. Choosing one of these interests as your starting point can help you decide what to explore in Beizama before searching for hotels there.

Discover more destinations: Legazpi, Mendaro, Andoain, Hondarribia, Pasaia, Elduain, Zegama, Olaberria

For an overview of the wider area: Gipuzkoa.