Discover Elexalde

In Elexalde, early church heritage meets a building dating from 1914; the URI07 also passes through part of the local area. In the municipality of Barrika, coastal scenery, geology and other historic sites add to the experience.

Churches and architecture in Elexalde

Andra Maria, also known as Santa María de Barrika, is a church in Elexalde. Its oldest surviving remains date from the 12th century and are Romanesque in style. The parish church of Santa María in Elexalde is documented as early as the 11th century; its Romanesque apse window dates from no earlier than the first half of the 12th century. These dates relate to different aspects: the early documentation of the church and the dating of the window are not the same thing.

Another notable building is the Fundación Elorduy in Elexalde. It was built in 1914 in the eclectic style. Its architecture is arranged in two lateral sections and a central section with an open staircase and a segmental-arch portal. Elexalde thus brings together historic church architecture and a building from the early 20th century.

The garden of the Fundación Elorduy features a marble sculpture group by the sculptor Higinio Basterra. It adds a distinct artistic accent alongside the buildings. Together, the church, the Fundación and the sculpture offer different points of interest for travellers interested in architectural styles and local history.

The URI07 and its pedestrian path section

The URI07 route in Barrika passes through part of Elexalde’s local area and goes past El Golfo. A physically separated pedestrian path approaches Elexalde and continues to Jonakone. The route description therefore includes both a section through the local area and a named endpoint for the pedestrian path. If you are planning to walk the route, check the current path conditions before setting out.

Culture and landscape in the municipality of Barrika

Several stretches of wall from a trapezoidal structure survive at Fortín de Barrika. The rubble-stone walls are about 80 centimetres wide and no more than half a metre high; they are in poor condition. The Ermita de San Telmo was founded in 1733 by Gabriel de Azcorra on the grounds of Casa de Arambalza. The Iglesia de Barrika is dated to 1052. Its only surviving evidence of Romanesque origins is a window in the apse in the style of Biscayan Romanesque.

Coast and geology

Playa de Muriola lies in a small, east-facing cove protected by cliffs. A path leads from the car park to the beach; Muriola is also considered a suitable place for diving. Check the current path conditions before visiting. These details describe different aspects of the place: the sheltered setting of the cove and its suitability for a dive.

Numerous types of folds can be observed on the cliffs of Barrika between Meñakotz and Muriola. These include large-radius folds, faulted folds, angular folds, chevron folds with zigzag patterns, and recumbent folds. The tectonic complexity of these formations is considered unique in Bizkaia. The hanging dunes of Muriola are also geologically significant: they bear witness to successive climate changes.

Another archaeological point of interest in the municipality is the flint workshop in the Arenas de Barrika area. It is located within the Kurtzio archaeological site. Along with the historic buildings and geological formations, this part of the municipality of Barrika offers a different focus from the churches and architecture of Elexalde.

Discover more destinations: Zubialde, Gernika, Etxebarria, Lanestosa, Areatza, Arrieta, Gautegiz Arteaga, Alonsotegi.

For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.