Heritage

Cultural Heritage

Debabarrena: cultural heritage and Saint James Way

Debabarrena is a unique repository of history and culture. The route along the coast of the Saint James Way, following the tradition of pilgrimages, joins the monumental treasures of this region. Gothic churches, elegant palaces, and significant archaeological remains bear witness to our past. Come and know the cultural heritage of Debabarrena, a treasure that has been preserved and enriched for centuries!
Oficina de Deba
Oficina de Mutriku

Debabarrena: a corner of rich cultural heritage

The Debabarrena offers a rich cultural heritage made up of the route along the Saint James Way (northern route) and outstanding historical monuments. Pilgrims cross our region, enjoying an unparalleled landscape between the sea and the mountain. The Saint James Way runs through several corners of Debabarrena and offers pilgrimage infrastructure. In Deba, for example, there is a hostel that provides the necessary comfort to rest and continue the journey. The road also passes through the beautiful rural areas of Mutriku, the neighborhoods of Olatz and Calvary, where another hostel is also available.

Along the way, you can see some gems from the Gothic period. An example of this is the 14th century church of Santa Maria de Deba. Its elaborate cover and beautiful cloister are indispensable elements for lovers of art and history. The sanctuary of Our Lady of Itziar is also in Deba. This is a medieval building that retains the Romanesque image of Our Lady of the Sea, and has become a meeting point for pilgrims and visitors. Following the pilgrims’ path, the Church of St. Andrew of Astigarribia (Mutriku) is another of the most precious buildings in the region. Its architecture is simple, but its beauty fascinates visitors.

As for the rest of the country’s monuments, the 13th century hermitage of Our Lady of Ezozia stands out in Elgoibar. It combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. The church of St. Andrew of Eibar is not left behind either. It is a 16th century temple that combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, and its major altarpiece is very prominent. And the sanctuary of Arrate is the place of worship of the patron of Eibar, where the Gothic image of the Virgin of Arrate can be seen. The sanctuary is on the mountain, and offers wonderful views.

Chuch of Santa Maria

Church of St. Andrew

Sanctuary of Arrate

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Itziar

Hermitage of Our Lady of Ezozia

Church of St. Andrew of Astigarribia

The heritage of the Debabarrena
the cultural treasure...

The old quarter in Mutriku

The streets of Mutriku have been officially recognised as an important monumental complex and are a wonderful way of learning about much of the history of the Basque Coast. It is also a great way of finding out more about eminent local characters, such as sailors Cosme Damián Txurruka and Antonio Gaztañeta.
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Industrial Heritage

The industrial heritage of Debabarrena is one of the greatest references in the industrial history of the Basque Country and one of the most characteristic features of the region.
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Museums

Six museums that deliver a great deal of insight into aspects of the region, including industry, geology, fossils, minerals, prehistory and more.
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San Blas

Christmas is over, but in Debabarrena we continue to make winter as sweet as possible. On 3 February, we make the most popular treat in our traditional repertoire of cakes and biscuits: Tortas de San Blas (Saint Blaise biscuits). Come and try them!

The tradition of making biscuits to celebrate the Feast of Saint Blaise is not exclusive to Debabarrena, and is typical also in other parts of the Basque Country, such as Abadiño and Llodio.

In our region, however, many people still make these biscuits at home and then take them to church to be blessed. Saint Blaise is the patron saint of throat-related problems, which is why, according to popular belief, in addition to eating the biscuits, you should also take a piece of string to church to be blessed, and then wear it tied around your neck for nine days before burning it. This will provide protection against colds and other illnesses for an entire year.

Ingredients

For the dough:

  • 1 kg wheat flour
  • 6 eggs
  • 125 g pork lard (or butter or margarine)
  • ½ kg granulated sugar
  • 1 sachet of baking powder
  • 15 drops of aniseed essence

For the glaze:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 250 g icing sugar
  • 10 drops of lemon juice
  • 3 drops of aniseed essence

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 180º C.
  • Place the flour on a clean worktop and push into a volcano shape.
  • Break the eggs into the dip in the centre and mix with your hands.
  • Add the lard (or butter or margarine) and knead.
  • Gradually add the sugar and aniseed essence.
  • Knead until the dough is no longer sticky.
  • Shape into a ball and leave to stand for at least half an hour at room temperature.
  • Sprinkle the worktop and a rolling pin with flour.
  • Divide the dough into small balls and squash them down to around half a centimetre in thickness.
  • Adjust the shape using a plate or tray.
  • For a fluted border, pinch round the edge.
  • Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for around 15-20 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown but not toasted.
  • Meanwhile, for the glaze, beat the egg whites until stiff.
  • Still beating, add the icing sugar, lemon juice and aniseed essence until you have a dense white paste.
  • Spread the glaze over the still-warm biscuits using a spoon.