Discover Escoriaza: Heritage, History and Hiking Trails

For a stay in Escoriaza (Eskoriatza), you can focus on cultural history, archaeological heritage or hiking trails. In Eskoriatza, the main attractions include Atxorrotx, the Ibarraundi Museum, historic buildings and named routes. When looking for a hotel, you can first decide whether you would rather plan your trip around historic sites or trails and landscapes.

Atxorrotx and Archaeological Heritage

Atxorrotx is in the Bolibar district of Eskoriatza, in the Debagoiena region of Gipuzkoa, near the borders with Araba and Bizkaia and within Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park. The fortress of Atxorrotx stands on a summit at an elevation of 750 metres; its exceptional panorama offers sweeping views over the surrounding area. The archaeological site of Atxorrotx Castle was declared a monument by the Basque Government in 2012. Other archaeological remains in Eskoriatza include the Asuntzeta burial mounds and the Mugarriluze menhir.

Museum and Craftsmanship

The Ibarraundi Museum is housed in a palace of the same name dating from the 15th century. It is dedicated to history, ethnography and the environment. Audiovisual media, exhibitions and guided tours are used to explore these subjects. The museum also displays a replica of the Axtroki gold bowls from the Late Bronze Age.

The Zubiate Kiln dates from the 19th century and was used to make everyday ceramic items such as cups and plates. It is one of the best-preserved ceramic kilns in the Basque Country and the only surviving example of its kind in Gipuzkoa.

Palaces, Church and Hospital

The Zalbidegoitia Palace dates from the 18th century and is part of a tradition of palaces built using income from trade with the Americas. Today, the building houses the municipal cultural centre; its programme may change. The Church of San Pedro is a simple Baroque church dating from the second half of the 18th century. Its features include a masonry tower and an image of Christ beneath the choir loft. The Hospital of the Holy Rosary was built in the early 17th century and declared a historic-artistic monument of provincial importance.

Hiking Trails and Rural Districts

The Route of the Burial Mounds has two variants. The Eskolore Route passes through the districts of Apotzaga and Gellao, north of Eskoriatza, and along the slope of Murugain. It offers views past the Galartza Tower as far as the Aralar Range and along the borders of Aramaio; the Asentzio Cross serves as a landmark. If you are choosing trails based on their features, the Route of the Burial Mounds offers two variants; on the Eskolore Route, the districts, views and Asentzio Cross provide specific points of reference.

Today, Eskoriatza has seven anteiglesias, or rural districts. Each has its own auzo-alkate, or local mayor.

Agricultural and Craft Fair

An agricultural and craft fair is held in Eskoriatza on the first weekend in June. The fair showcases products, food, handicrafts and animals from local farmsteads. The programme also includes competitions for scarecrows and cheese. If you are planning your trip around this date, check the latest dates and programme details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Deba, Errenteria, Elgoibar, Hondarribia, Zestoa, Bidania, Bergara, Elduain.

For the broader travel overview: Gipuzkoa.