Within the the Basque Country, in the region of Lea Artibai, one of those that make up the province of Vizcaya, is the town of Lekeitio or Lekeitio, a "Noble and Loyal Villa". It is on the seashore, in the Bay of Biscay and with such landscapes it is a very touristy place.
Let's see today what we can do and see here, let's a walk through Lequeitio.
lekeithium
Human beings have been living in the area for a long time, and it is known that the Romans They also settled towards the end of the XNUMXst century. Lekeitio was founded in 1325 by María Díaz de Haro, Lady of Vizcaya, but soon there were conflicts with other neighbors over the limits of the new town. Luckily Alfonso XI decided things a few years later, confirming the limits. Thus, the walls were finally raised and the government began to be organized.
The municipal ordinances of Lequeitio are the oldest around here, and were responsible for organizing coexistence and everything related to fishing and navigation. With the coast at your disposal fishery It soon became the heart of the town's economic activity, so it only took a little time for all related industries to (shipyards, for example), will begin to take shape here.
The port that still functions today was built in the XNUMXth century, renovated some time later and even shortly into the XNUMXth century. All this fishing activity made Lequeitio become a very important port, the second in the province. Today we would not very much agree with the main purpose of their fishing but we all know that the Whales They have always been fished and coveted. Throughout the Middle Ages and the Modern Age, whales were hunted and this activity generated so much income that one of these animals is even seen on the local coat of arms.
Not everything was rosy in the fishing activity of Lequeitio and at the turn of the century there was a certain crisis, but luckily the to the rescue. And so, we arrive at what interests us today: what to see and do in Lekeitio.
Tourism in Lekeitio
First things first: the visit to the historic center. The historical heritage is wonderful: convents, palaces, tower-houses and churches. Walking through its streets is the best way to learn about the fishing and artisan past of the beautiful medieval town.
You have to know the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, from the XNUMXth century and late Gothic style. The Flemish Gothic altarpiece from the XNUMXth century is its greatest treasure, but it is followed by the Marian carving from the XNUMXth century. Another beautiful building is the Town hall, Built in the XNUMXth century, between Gothic and Renaissance; or the Uriarte Palace which is from the XNUMXth century, although the tower in its center is earlier. This tower is the Zahar Tower, the oldest construction in the entire town.
Another palace is Uribarria Palace, from the XNUMXth century, or the Sosoaga Palace and the Oxangoiti Palace. we also have the Hermitage of San Juan Talako, the Church of the Company or San José, the Torre Maguregi, the lighthouse and hermitage of Santa Catalina and two seats, the Independence Square and Arranegi Square.
And of course, that we lack the old firewalls from the XNUMXth century. Although the originals were built in 1334, the remains we see today were built in the 1th century. They are 70 meters thick and two meters. It had square towers to watch over, once in a while, of which only one remains, the so-called roast. Other remains of the wall are next to the Uribarria Palace, which dates back to the time of the Catholic Monarchs.
All these sites can be found in one tour which is arranged in advance: for minimum groups of 15 people with prices between 4 euros per adult and 2 per child. You can also rent an audio guide in four languages from Tuesday to Saturday for 5 euros.
As we approach the Lea River we have a very valuable building, the Mendieta shipyard, symbol of wealth from another era. Since water is a fundamental element for the villa, a visit to the St. Catherine's Lighthouse. This is the first visible lighthouse in Euskadi and rests next to a watchtower. Today is a interpretation center dedicated to navigation. During your visit you can even experience a virtual boat trip from Leikeitio to Elatxobe.
In the center of the bay is the Garraitz or San Nicolás island. It is a small island, just 6,50 hectares, not inhabited, so it is a beautiful place from a natural point of view. is today Archaeological Park since the island has had different uses over time. Of course, you should know that the tide rises and falls every six hours so you can always be stranded there.
La isuntza beach has a strange and magical story: the legend of Aitxitxa Makurra He says that one day the captain of a ship from Lekeitio had a heart attack in the port and the sailors had to treat him. While they were doing this, it seems that a man dressed in black passed by and told one of them how he should save him. The boss survived and the strange guy told him that from then on he would dedicate himself to healing people but that he should always, always check his roof. When he saw herbs there, he was to go to the beach.
The sailor lived to be 90 years old and all that time he cared for the sick. When he reached the age of 90 he saw grass on his roof, he said goodbye to his family and went to the beach. There he saw the man in black, Death himself, who when he touched him turned him into stone. And today, depending on the amount of sand on the beach, you can see the rock called “Aitxitxa Makurra”, the bent grandfather.
Finally, the Leikeitio port As we see it today, it is the one that took shape in the XNUMXth century. It is called Puerto Contramaestre Txatxo Kaika, in reference to one of the sailors from the area who accompanied Columbus to America. There are several docks connected to each other and breakwaters, and you can see the houses of Arranegi that before the construction of the port reached the beach or the sea, depending on the tide.
La Arranegi street It is charming, decorated with several emblazoned palaces built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, and also fishermen's houses. The thing is that in the small square of Arranegi, the point where it widens, is where the stalls were. And finally, it can always be done a tour along the banks of the Lea, or the Ruta del Vino y del pesado or the so-called Ruta de la Costa.