The oldest surviving remains of the Andra Maria church in Elexalde date from the 12th century. This provides a specific example of Romanesque architectural history as a starting point for exploring the area. The URI07 route offers a different perspective: its physically separated footpath leads to Jonakone and approaches Elexalde. The municipality of Barrika also offers coastal scenery, geology and other historic sites.
Churches and Romanesque traces
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 is dated no earlier than the first half of the 12th century. These accounts therefore provide two different points of reference: the early documentation of the church and the later dating of a surviving architectural feature. Visitors interested in medieval architecture can bear this distinction in mind when considering the building’s history.
Fundación Elorduy: Architecture and art
Another architectural highlight is the Fundación Elorduy in Elexalde. The building was constructed in 1914 in the eclectic style and consists of two side sections and a central section with an exterior staircase and a segmental-arch portal. The layout makes the central section and its entrance the focal point of the described architectural design. The Fundación’s garden also features a marble group created by Higinio Basterra. Together, the building and artwork represent different aspects of local architectural and art history.
The URI07 route near Elexalde
The route connects two specific landmarks: a physically separated footpath leads to Jonakone; the URI07 also runs through part of Elexalde and passes El Golfo. If you plan to follow the route, check current trail conditions before setting out.
Culture and coastal scenery in the municipality of Barrika
Historic sites in the municipality include the Fortín de Barrika. Several stretches of wall remain from the trapezoidal structure; the rubble-stone walls are about 80 centimeters wide and no more than half a meter high. The site is in poor condition. The Ermita de San Telmo is also in the municipality: Gabriel de Azcorra founded it in 1733 on the grounds of the Casa de Arambalza. Both sites add further historic points of reference in Barrika to Elexalde’s church and architectural history.
Playa de Muriola lies in a small, east-facing cove protected by cliffs. A path leads from the car park to the beach; check current path conditions before visiting. Muriola is considered a suitable place for diving. Numerous types of folds can be seen in the cliffs of Barrika between Meñakotz and Muriola: large-radius folds, fold faults, 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 also bear witness to successive climate changes. Barrika’s natural attractions thus range from the sheltered cove to geological formations and their history.
The flint workshop at the Kurtzio archaeological site is also located in the Arenas de Barrika area. This gives visitors a clear distinction when choosing a destination: Elexalde is defined by its church architecture, the Fundación Elorduy and the route of the URI07; in the municipality of Barrika, coastal scenery, geology and archaeology add to the range of attractions.
Discover more destinations: Balmaseda, Sopuerta, Ondarroa, Larrabetzu, Traslaviña, Zamudio, Etxebarria, Sestao.
For the broader travel overview: Bizkaia.
