Old Quarter
Any visit to Plentzia must include a walk through the narrow streets of its Old Quarter, which still preserves the charm typical of historical locations, despite the significant changes undergone over the last century.
Any visit to Plentzia must include a walk through the narrow streets of its Old Quarter, which still preserves the charm typical of historical locations, despite the significant changes undergone over the last century.
The Old Quarter of Plentzia consists of a heterogeneous ensemble of buildings with a mixture of old fishermen’s houses and historical buildings such as the church, the current museum, (former Town Hall) and the old tower of the Muxika-Butron lineage – at the corner of Udaletxe aldapa and Eleiz Enparantza- as well as some mansions built by the bourgeoisie throughout the 19th century. This architectural variety is the town’s most highly enticing feature, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in our historical past and traditions.
Any visit to Plentzia must include a stroll through the narrow streets of its Old Quarter, which still preserves the charm typical of historical locations, despite the significant changes undergone over the last century.
The Medieval town of Plentzia was founded around 1236 by D. Lope Díaz de Haro, Lord of Biscay (1214-1239). His grandson Don Diego López de Haro granted it the town charter in 1299. Founded in the region known as Gaminiz, the town’s layout consisted of three parallel streets (Barrenkale, Artekale and Goienkale) which ran parallel to the estuary. Two perpendicular streets (today Madalen aldapa and Udaletxe aldapa) connected the Church Square -at the centre of the town- and the estuary. This entire area was encircled by a wall whose accurate number of gates remains to this day unknown, and whose sole remain is St. James’ Arch in Eleiz Enparantza.
The terrible fires occurred in 1437 and at the end of the 17th century ravaged the town to such an extent that the only remains left were the outer walls of the church, the Múgika-Butrón Tower and part of the defensive wall .The latter has since been torn down to make way for new urban development.
The remains of the old medieval layout, based on narrow plots of land, can still be seen nowadays. Even though they have almost nearly disappeared from Biscayan towns, some of the typical back vegetable gardens set out in rows have been preserved here.
Despite first impressions, and although predominant at one stage, the main economic activity was not fishing, but coastal trade and ship-building, followed by offshore sailing, which was carried out with ships from other ports.
The Arch of Santiago is part of the historical-architectural ensemble of the historic quarter of Plentzia, which has an impact on its historical value.
Church of Santa Maria Magdalena
This austere Gothic church was built between the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. It has a rectangular floor plan and 3 naves separated by pillars but no vaulting.
Demolished and transformed into a residential home, it still preserves some stylistic and decorative features.
A peculiar rural building in the heart of the urban centre, behind the parish church of Saint Mary Magdalene.
Known as Torreón, as the typology of the building reminds the tower house one.
Chapel of the Shrine of the Holy Christ
Aesthetically, this building lacks decorative features of any great interest, except for a low belfry and the blocked-up opening in the façade.
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A family-owned pharmacy founded in 1888 that is now also a museum. It boasts an exhibition that occupies the original spaces of the apothecary’s shop, and the former laboratory and back room.
Recreation area with access to the estuary where you can practice kayaking or SUP
Isuskiza, also known as the Abanico de Plentzia (Plentzia fan), is one of the secret corners of the municipality.
