Arantza

From the car park at the entrance to the town, the beautiful view of the houses in the Eguzkialdea neighbourhood can be admired. Visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking view of the Izu and Unanua mountains and the surrounding meadows and woods.  The Iturriotza washing fountain is beside the car park and the park. This fountain has had three uses during its lifetime: a water trough for animals, the water supply for the village and the area for washing.  The Xabatenea house dating from the 16th Century with a double stone window on the top floor can be seen further up the street to the left before reaching the main square. Carrying on towards the square, visitors can admire the Apezenea house with its magnificant north façade. This house was home to a shop in its ground floor up to a short time ago and at one stage was also a chocolate factory. The Town Hall stands out from the other stately houses in the main square, which was previously a pelota court. The former coat of arms of Arantza can be seen on the wall of this municipal building.  Until the 60's bread was sold and butter was made in the Lopenea house beside the fountain. The pelota court can be found beside the main square. This court, which was renovated in 1992, is not just a sports centre; it is also the scene for many social and cultural events. The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción can be reached by leaving the main square through calle “Eliza karrika” and passing by the Errontenea house, which is a former mill. This church was built in the 16th Century and was extended in the 18th Century. Its magnificent bell tower may possibly date from the 19th Century (1887). Visitors can arrive at the Madalenea house with its stone plaza through the narrow street to the south of the Church. The Larrainea palatial house is is front of Madalenea. It was renovated some years ago and conserves its neo-gothic style. Its owner was the landlord of Arantza in the Middle Ages and at one time this must have been one of the most elegant houses around. If we leave this plaza and head down the steep street, we reach the area known as "Putxutxu" and the fountain of the same name. The Iturriberri washing fountain can be seen on crossing a small wooden bridge. In former times those arriving to the village changed their shoes at this spot; they would take off their old sandals and put on their new shoes right here. The route then takes us back to the Putxutxu fountain. Go up the cobbled street with a low passway under two stone bridges (one of the bridges is the entrance to the Etxeberri  house). After crossing under these bridges, we will be in front of the Falkunea and Petrixenea houses. On turning right, we arrive at the Osinaldea house. Its traditional façade shows the lateral firebreaks to protect this building from fire. The majority of houses would originally have had this structure. The Osina washing fountain, the largest in the town, can be found beside this house. The commercial area, Goiko karrika, can be reached by taking the street ahead, where one will find the majority of the town's shops and restaurants. At this stage there are two options; return to the starting point by the main square or continue along the street beside the school yard and leave the to enjoy the meadows of Iturriotza, the views of the municipality of Arantza: from the Ekaitza crest to the Arrata River; the borders with Artikutza and Lesaka, the Izu and Unanua mountains and the Eguzkialdea neighbourhood. Visitors who choose this option can return along the same path which leads back to the car park.