Basque Country Information:
BIZKAIA Information - AROUND THE ENCARTACIONES |
The Encartaciones region comprises ten primitive republics which were
at war in the Middle Ages, and which gradually became part of the
Bizkaian manor in the 18th century. This charming region, largely
unknown, is to be found in the western most extreme of the Basque
Country, Land of the factionist Guerra de Banderizas and medieval
tower-houses, the Encartaciones will start uncovering its secrets
as we set off along the BI-636 towards GUEÑES, where a visit
just has to be made to the parish church of Santa María. The
more adventurous can head towards Godexola and visit the Torre de
Oxirando.
Following the road through ZALLA will take us past the Baroque mansion
of the Murga family, presently the Town Hall, with its pleasant surrounding
gardens. An interesting visit on the way to LA HERRERA is the hermitage
of San Pedro de Zarikete. Tradition has it that, to rid yourself of
evil spirits, you have go in one door and out of the other, throwing
salt all the while. We will continue on to BALMASEDA, the biggest
town in the Encartaciones region, with an urban ground plan denoting
its importance during the Middle Ages. Note the emblematic Puente
Viejo, once a customs post, and the Plaza Mayor, in which we will
find the Town Hall and the Gothic church of San Severino with its
several Baroque additions.
From Balmaseda we'll head north towards Sopuerta via the BI-630 and
BI-2701, to visit the Casa de Juntas de AVELLANEDA. The modern Museo
de las Encartaciones, with a collection of objects related to the
local historical heritage, has recovered part of the 14th century
tower in which the Juntas Generales used to meet. Retracing our steps,
we'll take the BI-630 through TRASLAVIÑA and Villaverde de
Trucios, over La Escrita pass and into the Carranza Valley. On the
way down into the valley, we'll turn off towards the pretty sanctuary
of La Virgen del Buen Suceso, standing at the top of a hill with a
picnic area and lovely views. Once we've arrived to the CARRANZA Valley,
still on the BI-630, we should take two righthand turnings. The first
to take a look at the animals in the Parque Ecologico de Bizkaia at
El Carpin estate. And the second, after having made our way through
the neighbourhood of Molinar, with its mineral-medicinal spa, to take
a look at the remarkable Pozalagua cave. The strange stalactites covering
the surface of this cave, and particularly in the hall known as the
sala Versalles, make this one of the best in Europe. It is open to
the public and is to be found in the area of Ranero.
On the way back, those who could do with a little more action can
head northwards, taking the BI-2701 from Sopuerta, past MUSKIZ and
Muñatones castle until coming to the coast at La Arena beach
and the harbour at ZIERBENA. This radical change of landscape can
be rounded-off by returning to Bilbao along the left bank, industrial
motor of Bizkaia, past the fishing port of SANTURTZI and the hanging
bridge of PORTUGALETE.
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