Heritage
GORLIZ HERITAGE
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Gorliz’s personality is clearly defined by its proximity to the sea. The bay used to have two defense forts, erected in the 18th centuries. The remains of the latter, Askorriaga Fort, have survived to present day.
The Sanatorium and religious buildings complete its historical heritage. Thanks to its favourable climate the Marine Sanatorium of Gorliz was built at the beginning of the 20th century, likewise summer residences, thus turning it into a municipality with a tourist vocation.
Heritage
ARCHAELOGICAL REMAINS FROM THE EARLY MEDIEVAL PERIOD
Under the floor of both the church of the Purísima Concepción and the part that is now a car park, archaeological remains of different types and periods were found.
Heritage
LARRAGANENA’S STELE
In the Larraganena farmhouse, located in the centre of Gorliz, a discoid funerary stele was found which has never been found before. The stele was half-buried in the garden of the property, and had been considered by the neighbours to be an ancient sundi.
Heritage
ST MARY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH
The church of the Immaculate Conception is in the Elexalde area. Although it was built between the 10th and beginnings of the 11th century, it was rebuilt in the 18th century according to the direction of the architect Martín de Uribeondo. An interpretation panel can be found next to the church.
Heritage
GORLIZ WASHING PLACE
The old washing place in Gorliz was partially restored in 2022.
Throughout the 20th century, this washing place was witness to the experiences and testimonies of the women of Gorliz in their laundry work.
Heritage
GUIDED TOURS
Discover the history of Gorliz through the guided tours organised by the Tourist Office. Learn about its heritage, culture and landscape first hand as you walk through the town and enjoy the nice views from our impressive natural setting.
Tourist Office
Heritage
LIGHTHOUSE
Gorliz’s lighthouse is the town’s flagship. It was built on the cliffs, at 165 metres above sea level, in 1990. This 21 metre tower finished with a glass lantern is the tallest lighthouse in the Cantabrian region.
A path leads you to the lighthouse from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the sea.
Heritage
BUNKERS
Going down by the path next to the lighthouse you will notice the entire slope is perforated by 3 old coastal bunkers connected to each other and installed during the 1940s, but which were never used.
From the last platform you can see the remains of a heavy cannon. It’s worth having a wander round and taking some photos.
Heritage
ASKORRIAGA FORT
Popularly known as ‘The Little Broken Castle’, this fort was erected in the 18th century chiefly to prevent a possible attack from the English ships in the Gulf of Bizkaia. Today, only the ruins are left which can be seen on the route to the lighthouse.
Heritage
PETRIFIED DUNES
In Astondo you can contemplate a phenomenon with high geological value, i.e. the petrified dunes, which are a large group of wind-blown sands dating back 6,000 years and are unique on the Basque Coast.
Heritage
MARINE SANATORIUM
Gorliz`s hospital is located next to the beach. Originally, this was the Marine Sanatorium, which was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century. It was the first building entirely constructed with reinforced concrete in the country. In Astondo, looking at the bay of Gorliz and at the hospital, ypu can find the statue of Dr. Areilza, the promoter of the Sanatorium.
Heritage
ANDRA MARI HERMITAGE
In the Andra Mari neighbourhood, on a fantastic spot surrounded by meadows, from where we can see the bay of Gorliz and mouth of the River Butron, we come across the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Agirre y de las Nieves, the first monastic church of the ancestral country house of the Butron lineage. A Sanctuary-Chapel dating back to the 11th century.
Heritage
FLYSCH BIZKAIA
Following the route of the E9 – European Coastal Path, which coincides in Bizkaia with the coastal stretch of the GR 123 – Tour of Bizkaia path, we can get up close to many of Uribe’s geological treasures.
The weather in Gorliz
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ROUTES OF CHORESTEROL
If there is one thing we can boast of in Gorliz, it is to have a wonderful nature around us. That is why we have many routes where you can…
Archaeological remains from the early medieval period
Next to the church of the Immaculate Conception, during the remodelling of the car park in 2008, archaeological remains from the early medieval period were found, which are of great…
More info. Archaeological remains from the early medieval period
Larraganena’s Stele
In the Larraganena farmhouse, located in the centre of Gorliz, a discoid funerary stele was found which has never been found before. The stele was half-buried in the garden of…
Children’s Route 15: A peri-urban walk through Gorliz for the whole family or swings route
Children’s Route 15 Route published by Pedro Pablo Uriarte “15 circular routes from Gorliz for families with children” View map of the route on Wikiloc FILE OF THE ROUTE Duration…
Children’s Route 14: Route to Andraka via Saratxaga, down to Plentzia estuary and back via Gandia
Children’s Route 14 Route published by Pedro Pablo Uriarte “15 circular routes from Gorliz for families with children” View map of the route on Wikiloc FILE OF THE ROUTE: Duration…
Children’s Route 13: A fun ride through Zabale, Botola bidea and Saratxaga.
Children’s Route 13 Route published by Pedro Pablo Uriarte “15 circular routes from Gorliz for families with children” View map of the route on Wikiloc FILE OF THE ROUTE: Duration:…
More info. Children’s Route 13: A fun ride through Zabale, Botola bidea and Saratxaga.