Tourism destinations
Towns
Lying in the west of the historical territory of Gipuzkoa province, Elgeta is on the border with Bizkaia. Its high altitude - it is the third-highest municipality in the province - gives it panoramic views of the comarcas (counties) or Debagoiena and Debabarrena and mountains like Udalaitz and Anboto.
The Basque-Navarre Mountaineering Federation was founded in 1924 in Elgeta and from that moment the municipality remains linked to the Basque mountaineering world. Besides, Elgeta offers another privileged spot, Asentzio Park, where we will find a small natural lake surrounded by beeches and an old hermitage. This spot, together with Aixola marsh and the Rock of Eguarbitza (730 m), make of Elgeta a quiet and nice village.
The old part of the town and festivities
Due to its location, Elgeta suffered many attacks and bombings during the civil war. Its urban area was rebuilt. However, some buildings of the Middle Ages still survive, specially on San Roque Street.
The church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción dates from 1337, although extension works started in the 16th century. Church of one nave with three stretches, it is covered with ribbed vaults and inside, two retables are outstanding: the high altar altarpiece, of Baroque style, and the Santiago retable, of Renaissance style displaying influence of mannerism. Casa de la Diputación is another emblematic buildings in Elgeta, with an arch as an access to the way to Elorrio.
On the other hand, among the different and many celebrations and festivities in Elgeta, we should mention the festival of San Pedro at the end of June, and its livestock fair that includes agricultural machinery and farming tools.
