Gipuzkoa

We already shared some information about Araba and Bizkaia, it is time now to pay a visit to Gipuzkoa.

Gipuzkoa is a province of Euskal Herria. It is bordered by the provinces of Bizkaia and Araba (on the W and SW respectively), Nafarroa (SE), the province of Lapurdi (E) and the Bay of Biscay.

Its area of 1,980 km2 (764 sq mi) makes it the smallest province in Hegoalde. The province numbers 88 municipalities, about a quarter of its population live in the capital, Donostia. Other important towns are Irun, Errenteria, Zarautz, Arrasate, Oñati (with an old university), Eibar, Tolosa (during a short time capital of the province), Beasain, Pasaia (the main port), Hondarribia (an old fort town).

Gipuzkoa stands out as a region of hilly and green landscape linking mountain and sea, besides being heavily populated with numerous urban nuclei that dot the whole territory. The conspicuous presence of hills and rugged terrain has added to a especial leaning towards hiking, nature and mountains on the part of Gipuzkoans. Some mountains steeped in tradition hold an iconic and emblematic significance, their summits being often topped with crosses, memorials and mountaineer postboxes. In addition, pilgrimages (which have gradually lost their former religious zeal and taken on a more secular slant) are sometimes held to their summits. Some renown and iconic mountains to mention but a few are Aiako Harria, Hernio, Txindoki, Aizkorri, Izarraitz, etc.

Gipuzkera is a dialect of the Basque language spoken in most of the region as well as neighbouring areas of Navarre, which shows a considerable vitality and holds a prominent position among other dialects. The province's patron saints are Ignatius of Loyola, who was born in the neighborhood of Loyola in the town of Azpeitia, and Our Lady of Arantzazu.

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