Goñi Portal Farmhouse

As its name indicates, it was located very near the St. James’ Arch or gate in the town wall, which was the starting point of the path to the Gorliz churchyard through Portaleta street, which also makes reference to the gate.

Goñi Portal  fell into disrepair during the twentieth century,  becoming uninhabitable and threatening to collapse by th 80s. This event required urgent action by the town council to preserve this unique example of rural architecture, which now forms part of the town’s Old Quarter. This has been declared a cultural asset as well as an archaeological site and is listed as a monument in the General Inventory of Basque Cultural Heritage.

The building is also considered to be of significant architectural interest in the Special Plan for the Renovation of the Old Quarter, given that it contains several outstanding historical, architectural and urban features that make it ideal for use as a cultural centre.

There is documentary evidence that the building was constructed in the second half of the 17th century. Backing for the age of the building can also be seen in some of the architectural features, such as the straight feet of the structure, which support the lintelled beam of the arch. The original building was a square farmhouse outside the town walls, at the foot of the stone that marked the boundary between the town and Gorliz. The ground floor housed the stable and a central staircase, with the main dwelling on the first floor and a loft running under the two-slope roof. In the 18^th century, the building was enlarged, with rows of rooms added to the side to provide two homes with independent access by way of outdoor stairs. This extension was intended to meet renewed demand for housing as a result of an increase in the shipping trade and a consequent rise in the population. As a result of these additions, the building lost its typical rural appearance and fit more appropriately into its urban surroundings.