Discover Urretxu
Accommodation in Urretxu
Urretxu combines a historic townscape with a range of themes for a stay: Palacio Korralgoa, the historic quarter, memorial sites, and hiking and cycling routes. When planning your trip, you can weigh historical points of interest and activities according to your interests. Geology also offers specific points of interest, from a cycle path along a former railway line to outcrops in the south of the municipality.
Local history and the historic quarter
Urretxu was founded in 1383 through a Carta Puebla granted by John I of Castile. This placed the town under the protection of the king. One landmark associated with this history is Palacio Korralgoa: the 17th-century palace belonged to the distinguished Ipeñarrieta family and is now used as the town hall. The building thus brings together its former significance as a family residence and its current municipal function.
The historic quarter extends across parts of Iparragirre Street, also called Bekokale or Calle Mayor, and Jauregi Street, also called Goikokale. The buildings in the quarter include Faktorekoa, Bikariokoa, and Galdosenea. These stately homes date from the mid-16th century and are associated with wealthy merchants or royal officials. The street names and building names provide several specific points of reference in the historic quarter.
Another place associated with a notable figure is Alzola etxea, at what is now Iparragirre No. 8, formerly Calle Mayor. JosĂ© MarĂa Iparragirre Balerdi was born there on August 12, 1820. His mausoleum, Askatasun egarria, is in the Urretxu cemetery. It was inaugurated on April 5, 1981, on the centenary of his death, and is shaped like a dolmen. Seven pillars bear the coats of arms of the seven Basque provinces. The work was created by JosĂ© Vicente Lasa from Urretxu.
Architecture and historical connections
According to the municipal description, the Iglesia Parroquial de San Martin de Tours has a wooden dome dating from the mid-16th century, in a style classified as Romanesque or Renaissance. It was designed by Juan de Lizarazu, a sculptor, architect, and artist from Urretxu. The municipal description also highlights the dome as unique among churches of comparable rank throughout Gipuzkoa.
The Camino Real de Coches is also part of the town’s history. This historic transport link between the kingdom’s capital and France passed through Urretxu and was considered the most important connection along this route. It adds a historical transport dimension to the town’s architectural and local history, without implying that it is a present-day route.
Hiking trails and geological features
Volcanic rocks can be seen along the cycle path on the former Urola Railway line. Particularly good exposures are located shortly before the Aizkibel Tunnel and beyond the Izuskitza Tunnel. The outcrop locations are thus specifically identified by two sections near tunnels. Another geological point of interest lies in the south of the municipality: there, the facies of the Black Flysch can be observed, particularly on the northernmost slopes of the Mugitegi industrial estate.
In the Santa Barbara area, the network of hiking trails ranges from easy walks around the hermitage to more challenging routes with considerable elevation differences. The range of trails described can help you take your preferred level of difficulty into account when planning. There are several barbecue areas on the Santa Barbara meadow, as well as tables and benches distributed throughout the area.
Events and rail travel information
The Feria de Minerales, fĂłsiles y gemas is held annually in Urretxu on the first weekend of November. Exhibitors from various parts of the region and the wider surrounding area take part. If you include a visit to the fair in your travel plans, check the specific dates in advance.
For rail travel in the area around Urretxu, the CercanĂas San Sebastián commuter train is listed, with access via Zumarraga station. Check the current services before you travel. This allows you to consider the travel information alongside the historical and landscape-related themes that shape a stay in Urretxu.
Discover more destinations: Aizarna, Olaberria, Aia, MondragĂłn, Tolosa, Lezo, Errezil, Pasaia.
Go to the main travel overview: Gipuzkoa.
