5 secrets of the interior of the Basque Country, to discover in Oñati!

Oñati, just an hour from San Sebastián, is one of the best-preserved gems in the interior of Guipúzcoa… This small town, nestled in the Basque mountains, is full of natural landscapes, interesting historical places and a dynamic atmosphere. A stay in Oñati means taking a trip to the past, present and future. Let's go?

Photo of the report: City of Oñati
Article opening photo: AdobeStock Jon Chica Sanctuary of Arantzazu

1- Get to know the last County of the Basque Country

The painter Ignacio Zuloaga called this city of Guipúzcoa "the Basque Toledo", because it is a place rich in heritage and cultural discoveries! Come and soak up the atmosphere of Oñati by strolling through its narrow streets with majestic buildings from different historical periods. Palaces, richly decorated noble houses, beautiful religious buildings… Take a look at the Zumeltzegi tower, the residence of the Count of Oñati who served as such from the 12th century to 1845.

 2- The First University of the Basque Country

One of the most curious facts about this town in Guipúzcoa is that it housed the first University of the Basque Country. It is one of the most remarkable Renaissance buildings in the Basque Country, representing art from plateresque (art of transition between Gothic and Renaissance style, with Baroque ornaments) to purist mannerism (purely Renaissance style, with fewer ornaments and more clean surfaces); facade, patio, altarpiece (work by the artist Pierres Picart), Mudejar style ceiling...

3- Discover the city's chocolate tradition

A pleasure for the five senses! Cocoa arrived from America in Oñati in the 16th century and developed the chocolate industry in the 20th century with more than 7 factories in the city. In the "Txokolateixia" Chocolate Interpretation Center you will find a collection of old chocolate moulds, mills and grinders, millstones, as well as a number of posters, photos, tablet papers of the region from many years. Be greedy! Don't forget to take some Oñati sweets with you!

4- Discover the Arrikrutz Cave and the Aizkorri Natural Park, the largest in Guipúzcoa

Halfway between Oñati and the sanctuary of Arantzazu, in the heart of the Aizkorri mountain range, you will discover a cave, an underground labyrinth of almost 15 kilometers of galleries spread over 6 superimposed floors! The Oñati-Arrikrutz cave was one of the pioneer sites for speleological, archaeological and paleontological exploration in the Basque Country. Discover the skeleton of a cave lion and immerse yourself in the cave, to visit its river!

5- The Arantzazu Shrine

Visit the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, an icon of avant-garde Basque art, a jewel of modern religious architecture. It will not leave anyone indifferent! Patron of Guipúzcoa, renowned artists participated in its construction, such as Eduardo Chillida, Lucio Munoz, Jorge de Oteiza and Néstor Basterretxea, among others.

We are waiting for you for a stay in Oñati?

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