campese
Gaztelugatxe, Spain
If time permits, then any trip to the Basque Country should include a visit to Gaztelugatxe. It's a 'must-see' destination. Gaztelugatxe - which means 'Castle Rock' in the Basque language (“gaztelu” = castle + “aitz” = rock) - is an island located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay, 35 km east of the provincial capital, Bilbao. The island is cone-shaped and is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. On top of the island stands a hermitage (named Gaztelugatxeko Doniene in Basque; San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Spanish), dedicated to John the Baptist dating from the 10th century, although discoveries indicate that the date might even be the 9th century.
The hermitage/church is by no means original; having been burnt down and rebuilt several times over the centuries. In the 12th century, it became a convent. However, two centuries later, the friars abandoned it taking with them everything of value.
The main starting point for the walk to Gaztelugaxe is a large restaurant/parking/picnic area on top of the cliffs overlooking the island. There are two paths down to the shoreline, which both provide spectacular views. Once at the man-made bridge, the route transitions into a narrow path made up of 241 steps zigzagging their way back and forth up to the hermitage at the summit. According to legend, after completing the climb, visitors should ring the bell, hanging on the outside of the building, three times and make a wish. The walk back up the hill beckons but - no matter - the round-trip will have been quite exhilarating!
There are plenty more photos of Gaztelugatxe and other Spanish towns/locations if you take a look at my 'Albums' page, www.flickr.com/photos/36623892@N00/sets/ - thank you.
Gaztelugatxe, Spain
If time permits, then any trip to the Basque Country should include a visit to Gaztelugatxe. It's a 'must-see' destination. Gaztelugatxe - which means 'Castle Rock' in the Basque language (“gaztelu” = castle + “aitz” = rock) - is an island located just off the shore along the Bay of Biscay, 35 km east of the provincial capital, Bilbao. The island is cone-shaped and is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. On top of the island stands a hermitage (named Gaztelugatxeko Doniene in Basque; San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Spanish), dedicated to John the Baptist dating from the 10th century, although discoveries indicate that the date might even be the 9th century.
The hermitage/church is by no means original; having been burnt down and rebuilt several times over the centuries. In the 12th century, it became a convent. However, two centuries later, the friars abandoned it taking with them everything of value.
The main starting point for the walk to Gaztelugaxe is a large restaurant/parking/picnic area on top of the cliffs overlooking the island. There are two paths down to the shoreline, which both provide spectacular views. Once at the man-made bridge, the route transitions into a narrow path made up of 241 steps zigzagging their way back and forth up to the hermitage at the summit. According to legend, after completing the climb, visitors should ring the bell, hanging on the outside of the building, three times and make a wish. The walk back up the hill beckons but - no matter - the round-trip will have been quite exhilarating!
There are plenty more photos of Gaztelugatxe and other Spanish towns/locations if you take a look at my 'Albums' page, www.flickr.com/photos/36623892@N00/sets/ - thank you.