Attractions and Places To See around Gizaburuaga - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Gizaburuaga include historical architecture, natural beauty, and cultural heritage in the Lea-Artibai region of Bizkaia, Basque Country. The River Lea flows through the municipality, contributing to its picturesque landscape. The area features a mountainous and rural environment, offering a blend of historical sites and natural features. Gizaburuaga is known for its traditional architecture, forges, mills, and prehistoric caves.
Best attractions and places to see around Gizaburuaga
- The most popular attractions is Oma Forest, a forest that features trees painted with geometric motifs and figures. This unique site is an expression of the Art and Nature movement, using the landscape as a canvas.
- Another must-see spot is Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza, a religious building and ancient collegiate church. This site is a National Monument of the Basque Country and was an important enclave on the Way of St. James.
- Visitors also love Artzubi Bridge, a 16th-century Romanesque bridge. This historical site blends with its natural surroundings and is part of the Camino de Santiago route.
- Gizaburuaga is known for its historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient religious buildings, unique artistic forests, and historical bridges.
- The attractions around Gizaburuaga are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 110 upvotes and 99 photos shared.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza
Highlight • Religious Site
You will reach Zenarruza via the remains of a stone-paved road once used by the pilgrims of St. James. The monastic complex includes a church from the XV. Gothic and early Renaissance (where the Plateresque-style retable of the high altar is to be singled out), a splendid cloister dating from the middle of the 16th century. dates back and several outbuildings of the cloister and the communal life as the houses of the abbot, the tenant and the refectory.
There used to be a hospital for the pilgrims who were destroyed in a fire. However, after its recent refurbishment, it now serves as a hostel. It should be noted that the monks of the monastery work in the confectionery and have a shop within the complex where they can buy their products.
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Guernica Mural in Gernika
Highlight • Monument
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Artzubi Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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)
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Oma Forest
Highlight • Forest
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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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 historical sites can I explore around Gizaburuaga?
Gizaburuaga is rich in history. You can visit the 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza, a National Monument and important stop on the Way of St. James. Other notable sites include the elegant Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Oibar, the Baroque Palace of Bengolea Tower, and the historic Bengolea Dam, considered a complex ironworks from the past. Don't miss the 16th-century Romanesque Artzubi Bridge, also part of the Camino de Santiago.
Are there any unique artistic attractions in the area?
Yes, the Oma Forest, also known as the painted forest, is a unique artistic attraction. It features trees painted with geometric motifs and figures by Basque artist Agustín Ibarrola, making the landscape itself a canvas. It's an expression of the Art and Nature movement and offers a truly immersive experience.
What natural features are prominent around Gizaburuaga?
The River Lea is central to Gizaburuaga's natural beauty, flowing through the municipality and linked to historical forges, mills, and dams. The region also features a tranquil mountainous and rural landscape, perfect for disconnecting. Additionally, Gizaburuaga is notable for its caves, which hold evidence of prehistoric settlements and are symbols of Bizkaia's prehistoric environments.
What cultural heritage can I discover in Gizaburuaga?
The area's cultural heritage is deeply tied to its industrial past and traditional life. You can explore sites like the Bengolea Forge and Mill, once the most important forge in Bizkaia in the 17th century, showcasing proto-industrial engineering. Traditional farmhouses are also characteristic of the local architectural style, and the Errota-Zahar Rest Area, a former mill, offers insights into the region's milling history.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions near Gizaburuaga?
Absolutely! The Oma Forest is a fantastic family-friendly destination, offering a unique and engaging experience for all ages with its painted trees. The Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza is also considered family-friendly, offering a peaceful and pretty walk. The access path to Oma Forest is also suitable for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The region around Gizaburuaga offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Wine and Fish Route: Lekeitio Loop' or 'Artzubi Bridge – Lekeitio loop'. For running, there are trails such as 'Hill reps loop from Lekeitio'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore routes like 'Centro BTT Urdaibai Ruta 11'. Many of these routes allow you to experience the scenic River Lea and the mountainous landscape. Find more details on these activities in the cycling, running, and MTB guides for the area.
Are there hiking trails along the River Lea?
Yes, the Lea Path GR38.3, also known as 'The wine and fish route', follows the River Lea. This route offers a unique opportunity to discover quiet and historical places amidst the natural scenery, connecting various points of interest along the river. It's an excellent way to experience the region's natural beauty and historical ties to the river.
What is the Guernica Mural and where can I see it?
The Guernica Mural in Gernika is a reproduction of Picasso's famous painting, commemorating the bombing of the city of Guernica in 1937 during the Spanish Civil War. It captures the horrors of war through symbolic imagery. You can see this significant historical and artistic tribute in the nearby town of Gernika.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gizaburuaga?
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The peaceful and pretty walks around sites like the Monastery of Santa María de Zenarruza are highly rated. The Artzubi Bridge is admired for its preservation and how it blends with its natural surroundings. The unique artistic experience of the Oma Forest is also a major draw, offering an immersive interaction with art and nature.
What is the best time to visit Gizaburuaga for outdoor activities?
The mountainous and rural landscape around Gizaburuaga is ideal for outdoor activities. While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, the tranquil environment suggests that spring and autumn would be excellent for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural features, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer would also be suitable for enjoying the River Lea and its surroundings.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots in Gizaburuaga?
While specific named viewpoints are not listed, the region's mountainous and rural landscape, combined with the River Lea flowing through it, offers numerous scenic spots. The Errotatxu Dam provides scenic views, and following the route along the River Lea itself allows visitors to enjoy the picturesque and tranquil environment.
What kind of traditional architecture can be seen in Gizaburuaga?
Gizaburuaga is characterized by its traditional architecture, which includes stone houses and narrow streets that retain an old-world charm. You'll also find traditional farmhouses that are a distinctive feature of the area, reflecting the local architectural style and historical way of life.
Most popular attractions around Gizaburuaga
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