Attractions and Places To See around Ajangiz - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ajangiz are found within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area in the Basque Country. This municipality offers diverse landscapes, from Atlantic woodlands to extensive wetlands, shaped by the Oka River basin. Ajangiz tourism provides a blend of natural features and historical sites, including ancient buildings and significant ecological areas.
Best attractions and places to see around Ajangiz
- The most popular attractions is Oma Forest, a forest that features painted trees by…
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza
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Guernica Mural in Gernika
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Artzubi Bridge
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The itinerary of the Camino de Santiago from the north or from the coast runs over it.
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Old Tree of Gernika (Gernikako Arbola)
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Oma Forest
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Recreation of Picasso's famous painting. The original can be seen in Madrid.
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The Oma Forest - Omako basoa in Basque - is also known as the painted forest, the enchanted forest or even the Ibarrola Forest. Its most common name - Oma Forest - refers to the district in which it is located, which belongs to the municipality of Kortezubi. This original work of art was created between 1982 and 1985, when the Basque painter and sculptor Agustín Ibarrola used the trunks of trees as a kind of canvas for a total of 47 images. On them he painted animals, geometric figures and people, or just parts of them, such as eyes and lips. In addition, many of the compositions do not consist of a single tree, but must be viewed in the context of several tree trunks. To do this, you must pay attention to the signs on the ground that tell the viewer where to stand in order to enjoy the whole image.
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When the Condor attacked, the residents of Guernica tried to protect the tree with their bodies because it is sacred to the Basques. Even today, elected politicians have to swear their loyalty to the Basque Country at an oak tree that stands a few meters away.
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A peaceful, pretty and quiet walk. Recommended with children.
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In 1982, artist Agustín Ibarrola began painting the pine trees in the forest near his homestead with the intention of using the landscape as a canvas to give continuity to his artistic expression. It is at this moment when he decides to break the law of perspective and transgress the three-dimensionality of a white line until it becomes two-dimensional. From then on, he explored the possibilities offered by the arrangement of the forest trees, playing with the different planes of depth and creating artistic sets composed of human figures, curves or straight lines, and circles of intense colors. The ideas and concepts that it develops become more complex and advances in various directions as the painted forest expands. With the help of two students from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the UPV/EHU, he carried out a large part of the work that was open to the public until 2018, at which time the biological cycle of the forest came to an end. Given the importance that the work had acquired, the Provincial Council of Bizkaia began the process of making the Forest last, for which it had from the first moment the support of the artist who had made clear his desire for the forest to survive. In this way and in order to preserve El Bosque de Oma, the Ibarrola work has been moved to a new location, also recovering original artistic ensembles lost due to felling, attacks and natural tree falls. Today we can enjoy El Bosque de Oma more complete and more faithful to the artist's original idea.
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The Forest of Oma is one of the best-known works of the Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola and is an expression of the artistic movement known as Art and Nature, which emerged in the late sixties of the 20th century and whose purpose is to convey artistic work to the natural environment, using the landscape as a framework, support and raw material for the artist. The work, located in the town of Kortezubi (Bizkaia), is made up of several sets of geometric motifs and figures painted on the trunk of radiata pine trees. The use of natural living supports, the play of two-three-dimensionality and the experience of placing the visitor at the center of the work of art through his discovery, as well as the diversity of responses it proposes, make this work a reference of the Art and Nature movement and of Basque Art in particular.
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Wall reproduction of Picasso's painting "Guernica" exhibited at the Reina Sofía Museum in Paris.
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Gernikako Arbola is an oak tree in the Basque city of Gernika.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in and around Ajangiz?
Ajangiz is nestled within the exceptional Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-protected area. You can explore diverse landscapes including Atlantic woodlands, coastal holm oak woods, and the extensive wetlands of the Oka River basin. A notable highlight is enjoying the Views over the Urdaibai marsh, which offers a dynamic landscape that changes with the tides.
Are there historical buildings or cultural sites to visit in Ajangiz?
Yes, Ajangiz boasts a rich cultural heritage. You can visit the Ajangiz Tower House, a Late Middle Ages structure, or the majestic 17th-century Aristieta Palace. Other sites include the Chapel of San Juan de Lemandaro, the monumental 19th-century Church of the Ascension of Our Lord, and The Rectory, now a cultural center. Nearby, the Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza is a significant national monument and a former stop on the Camino de Santiago.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Ajangiz?
The area around Ajangiz is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve offers diverse terrain, from coastal paths to forest trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the Ajangiz area?
Absolutely. Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Oma Forest, with its unique painted trees, offers an engaging artistic experience in nature. The Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza is also considered family-friendly, offering a peaceful and pretty walk. Additionally, the Views over the Urdaibai marsh provide a great opportunity for nature observation for all ages.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in Ajangiz?
Ajangiz and its surroundings offer several picturesque viewpoints, especially within the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. The town square itself provides impressive views of the Oka River valley. For a broader perspective, the Views over the Urdaibai marsh highlight offers incredible vistas of the estuary, where the landscape constantly changes with the tides.
What is the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve known for?
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and diverse landscapes. It features Atlantic woodlands, coastal holm oak woods, and the largest wetland in Euskadi, formed by the Oka River basin. It's a crucial resting place for thousands of migratory birds and home to protected mammals like the European Mink and wildcat, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Can I find unique artistic sites near Ajangiz?
Yes, one of the most unique artistic sites near Ajangiz is the Oma Forest. This forest features trees painted by artist Agustín Ibarrola, creating an immersive experience of Art and Nature where the landscape itself serves as a canvas. It's an expression of the artistic movement that emerged in the late 20th century.
Are there any ancient bridges or significant religious sites?
Beyond the Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza, you can discover the Artzubi Bridge, a well-preserved Romanesque bridge from the 16th century that blends beautifully with its natural surroundings. Both sites were important stops on the coastal Camino de Santiago route.
What are some notable traditional Basque buildings in Ajangiz?
Ajangiz is home to several traditional Basque farmhouses, known as Baserris, some dating back to the 17th century. These rural buildings showcase popular architecture, often featuring wooden posts resting on stone. The Sartzola farmhouse is particularly notable for housing the pillars of one of the few remaining granaries in the region.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Ajangiz?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza is praised for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful architecture. The Artzubi Bridge is noted as an incredible find in the forest, perfect for photography. The Oma Forest is celebrated for its unique artistic concept and immersive experience.
Is there a place to learn about the industrial heritage of the area?
Yes, you can visit the Goikoerrota Ironworks and Watermill, located on the banks of the Berrekondo River. This historical site was powered by two water dams and played a significant role in the local industry, even supplying electricity to Gernika-Lumo until recent times.
What wildlife can I expect to see in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve?
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is a haven for wildlife. You might spot protected mammals such as the European Mink and wildcat, alongside wild boars, roe deer, foxes, martens, and genets. The marshlands are particularly rich in birdlife, with species like spoonbills, herons, terns, ospreys, kestrels, barn owls, seagulls, and cormorants, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching.
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