PLACE: Lekeitio (Bizkaia)

A medieval and seafaring town, Lekeitio is located on the eastern seaboard of the province of Bizkaia , in the region of Lea-Artibai. Its natural surroundings and the urban and port areas make this municipality a marvellous place for enjoyment and leisure.

Lekeitio is eminently seafaring, and its traditions and gastronomy are intimately linked to the sea, as are its fiestas. Noteworthy is the celebration of San Antolin in the month of September, with its peculiar and ancient Goose Festival.

As we walk through the streets of Lekeitio, we can enjoy the contemplation of an abundant, rich, and varied artistic patrimony, above all architectural patrimony. Of special interest, due to their designation as national monuments, are the Basilica of Saint Mary's Assumption, with a magnificent gothic altarpiece, and the Uriarte Palace and its Tower. Noteworthy in the field of sculpture are the Monument to Pascual Abaroa, created by Moises de Huerta in 1934.

It is not only the great monuments that are of interest but also the popular architecture, specifically the houses of artisans, merchants, and fishermen. Since the end of the 19 th century the fishermen's houses have little by little been reformed, with the construction of balconies that provide unparalleled views of the coast.

Historically, the first information we have of the town being inhabited is the Cave of Lumentza , which together with the Caves of Santimamiñe is one of the most important archaeological sites in Bizkaia. In 1325, Maria Diaz de Haro, Lady of Bizkaia, bestowed the Town Charter, which granted the small locality the condition of town, guaranteeing it certain legal, commercial, economic, military, and even religious rights. Later, this classification was confirmed by Alfonso XI, and it was under his reign that the town's walls were constructed for eminently defensive reasons. Although a small section of the wall remains, the five gates that it had in the past no longer exist.

From 1500 to 1900 its port occupied the second ranking among fishing ports of Bizkaia, after Bermeo. During the 20 th century this ranking was taken over by Ondarroa, which is larger and less homespun. Currently the predominant economic activities are tourism and the service industry, the lumber industry, and to a lesser degree fishing and canning.