In the outskirts of Elorrio, in the district of Zenita, among the ancient oak trees surrounding San Adrian’s chapel, lies the necropolis of Argiñeta, the most important funerary ensemble of its kind in the Basque Country. Come and feel its magic, discover the secrets of this mystical and enchanting spot, with its 20-odd sarcophagi hailing from between the 7th and 9th centuries, and the five stelae boasting astral iconography.

A town built by migrants

The rail links with the coast were the means by which many migrants arrived in Elorrio, seeking work in the factories. Many working-class neighbourhoods were built in order to house the growing population, with names such as LINCE, Belerin, IRE, the 40, San Luis, and Lourdes.

This guided walk offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the least-known aspect of the town’s history: its industrial heritage and workers’ neighbourhoods.

Elorrio has nine wayside marker crosses, all of them date from the XVI century. The Kurutzebarri, Kurutzondo, Gandondo and Txanberi crosses stand on roads that lead out of the town and mark the frontier betwen the rural and urban areas. This marker crosses may have been used on occasions as reference points for establishing a cordon sanitaire in case of epidemics, but their first and foremost use was as devotional images to which travellers could pray for blessings on leaving the protection of the town walls.