From Zierbena to the Dolomite Museum in five steps
Zierbena, Muskiz, Sopuerta, Artzentales and Museo de la Dolomita.
WATER
January 2024
1. Zierbena
L eaving the port of Zierbena behind us and the shadow of Serantes to the left, we border the beach of La Arena along the N-634 and head towards Muskiz.
Pay attention to the crossroads that indicates Santelices.
2. Muskiz
The road, which passes next to the Ferrería del Pobal ironworks, will lead us to Sopuerta. Iron ore was so abundant in this territory that it was the Romans who made the road linking the sea with Pisoraca (Herrera de Pisuerga) pass through the town.
The medieval and renascentist towers, such as those of Garay and la Puente and Urrutia towers confirm that iron continued to be gold long afterwards.
Sopuerta is the heart of the mining territory.
3. Sopuerta
From Sopuerta, heading south, the same road winds its way to Mercadillo, where a crossroads allows us to take a detour to the west, signposted Traslaviña.
On the edge of Sopuerta, in Labarrieta, the road passes next to the 16th century Church of Tas, which has now been renovated into a unique house.
4. Artzentales
In Traslaviña, in the municipality of Artzentales, the Horkasitas Palace (1662) —which is now a countryside accommodation— and the Miranda Tower stand out, as well as the striking and rustic landscape formed by continuous green hills.
Look for the church of San Miguel de Linares, which still conserves its Romanesque façade. Next to it stands ‘El Rebollo del Concejo’; the tree marks the place where during the Middle Ages the open council was held around a large stone table.
And not far from here, there is another tree bearing a name of its own: ‘El Roble de San Miguel’. With its 36 and a half metre height and the shape of its crown, it has been listed as a Protected Singular Tree.
We continue along the BI-630 through the Villaverde Valley. On both sides of the road, you will come across some surprising mansions, some of them inhabited, belonging to indianos. Then, between pine woods and with a much improved asphalt and layout, the Alto de La Escrita separates this valley from that of Karrantza.
As you descend, there are views of woods, meadows and limestone peaks to the left.
On the right you will see a sign indicating ‘Santuario de El Suceso’. It takes about five minutes.
Four houses, a hermitage and a small bullring indicate the place from where you can stroll to enjoy panoramic views to one side and the other.
5. Dolomita Museum
On the way back to the BI-630 towards the west, you will come across a petrol station, the crossroads and a few taverns among the mountain-style houses with their balconies running along the façade. Here you will find the small tourist office and the Dolomite Museum. The Pozalagua Cave and the interpretation centre are nearby.
In the Barrio de Concha, just a few minutes away, you will find some good restaurants, unique people, unexpected mansions and a powerful landscape. Just enjoy yourself.
You may be interested…
Cockeral Regatta
Full steam ahead under the Hanging Bridge
Discover Euskadi Basque Country Grand Tour
Dive into the unique experience of the basque coast
The 28 beaches of Bizkaia
The sun, on its journey along the coast of Bizkaia, reaches 28 beaches.