San Juan De Gaztelugatxe, Winner Of The Seven Spanish Wonders
If we plan to visit the Basque Country, it is necessary to remember that an obligatory stop is the Urdaibai Reserve. It is an area with a great ecological heritage that was classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1984. Inside, you will find the beautiful town of Bermeo and not far away the tourist will be dazzled by a scene that will leave him speechless, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, whose translation into Spanish is castle and rock.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: work of nature
Access to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is difficult and can only be done on foot. However, it is worth the effort, since the views from its highest point are imposing and breathtaking.
To this is added the beauty of the landscape of the area, which will accompany us on our walk, making it a wonderful and charming journey. At the end of our route, we will reach our reward.
This islet was awarded the title of Spanish wonder in a contest dedicated to that end. He competed with rivals such as Somiedo in Asturias, Las Médulas in León, Fuente Dé in Cantabria, Lagunas de Ruidera in Castilla-La Mancha, Cabo de Gata in Almería and Las Catedrales beach in Lugo.
A magical enclave
This paradise on the Basque coast is a wild and abrupt reef that the ocean continually wears away. It is surrounded by rocky beaches and is full of caves.
It is reached through a rather narrow road. A two-arched bridge connects the islet with the mainland. Hikers will be forced to go down a steep slope that they will later have to climb, because to reach the top it is necessary to ascend a 240-step staircase.
During the tour we will be accompanied by the seductive sound of water crashing against the rocks, as well as by the presence of the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which draws us to it as a continuous reminder that the effort is well worth it.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: the work of man
The hermitage
The origin of this building dates back to the 10th century. It was built in honor of San Juan Bautista. In fact, it is said that on the stairs that lead to her, she left her imprint.
Being located in a very valuable and strategic place, there have been many mishaps and historical circumstances through which it has passed. Among them, it should be noted that he has been the victim of fires on several occasions, the last one just a few decades ago.
Much earlier, in the year 1593 it was looted by the English privateer Francis Drake, and was even assaulted in various warlike confrontations, since it is a place of strategic importance.
Inside the hermitage you can still see remains of medieval tombs. Next to it, there is a small refuge within which the visitor can take shelter on days with strong winds.
Legends
According to the legend, Saint John the Baptist came to reach the Basque territory. What’s more, he points out that he left his footprints at four specific points. The first was on the aforementioned stairs to the islet. The second is within the town of Bermeo, while the third is on the top of Mount Burgoa and the fourth is in the hamlet of Ermua. It is said that if you put your feet on them, all ills suffered in the lower extremities will be miraculously and instantaneously cured.
The myths also assure that if a woman wants offspring, the saint will help her solve this problem and be able to conceive.
However, the most popular fable is to ring the bell three times to ward off evil spirits, thus preventing them from ever returning. The faith that the locals place in San Juan is so great that the boats usually go around this rock before leaving for the sea with the intention that the saint protects them.
