Tourism

GENERAL DETAILS

Falling fully within Bilbao’s area of influence, Leioa has experienced a continuing increase in population, which is characterised by a prevalence of young adults and, therefore, by a high population growth rate, 6.6%. The registered population as of January 2006 stands at 29,390 inhabitants, 14,324 males and 15,066 females.

MONUMENTS AND TOURIST ROUTES

The inhabitants of Leioa were originally occupied in agriculture and fishing, up until the 19th century when the process of industrialisation along the river estuary gradually altered the traditional way of life of the local people, turning it into a largely industrial area.

Nonetheless, there are still several areas that preserve vestiges of its former rural existence: Ondiz, Peruri and Elexalde are consequently the most interesting districts within its municipal boundaries.

Standing in Elexalde, which is in fact the seat of the municipality, is the Town Council, built in 1891, and nearly, the Church of San Juan Bautista, which dates back to 1526. Up until the 20th century the locals gathered in its portico to discuss matters affecting the parish.

From the Town Council one may take a long and pleasant walk up to the environs of the University campus.

If one wishes to walk around another interesting part of the town, head for the neighbourhood of Ondiz (Barrio de Ondiz). It has sprawling fields with woodlands that are well equipped with tables and benches. It provides a fine panoramic view of the river estuary and its west bank. Here stands the 14th century Chapel of Andra Mari, which was used as a stronghold during the Carlist Wars.

Other buildings of interest are the Torrea, the Palace of Atxuena, the House of Zabala and the Basque farmhouses, caseríos, of Indurriena, Sagasti, Etxezuria, Iturrikoetxea, Jauregui and Alangoetxe.

Another interesting area, far from the noise and smoke of the factories, is the neighbourhood of Peruri (Barrio de Peruri). The following caseríos, listed by age, are also of interest: Peruri, Andikoetxe, Etxatxu, Atzene, Picaranda, Etxebarri and Madariarte.

Amongst the remaining individual buildings of interest, the following are worthy of special mention:

• - Artaza Palace: this building, together with its surrounding gardens, has a stately bearing of grand refinement.
• - Caserío Mendibile: a well-preserved rural palace dating back to before the 16th century.
• - Torre Altzaga:a fortified medieval house located on the northwest slope of Ondiz.
• - Chapel of San Bartolomé: restored by the local people and surrounded by a small green. It is an urban park area of ecological interest, where traditional popular events are held during the local festivities.
• - Antonio Menchaca’s House, in Gaztelueta.

FESTIVITIES

29th May. Festivity of San Máximo, which is held in the neighbourhood of Lamiako. To mark the occasion, attempts are underway to revive the Leyenda de las lamias (Masquerade), which is celebrated on a Friday.

24th June. Festivity of San Juan Bautista,Patron Saint of Leioa, which is held in the neighbourhood of Elexalde. Bonfire Night signals the beginning of the Summer Solstice.

24th August. Festivity of San Bartolomé, which is held in the neighbourhood of the same name. There are various traditional events: cooking contests for tuna stew, marmitako, rural Basque sports, outdoor dances, etc.

8th September. Festivity of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios (Virgen de Ondiz). It is held in the neighbourhood of Ondiz with merry-making that lasts through to the next day. Domingo de Repetición, a very traditional event held on the following Sunday, is the celebration of a daylong Romería (an outdoor picnic with traditional Basque sports, bacalao cooking contest, etc.).

As well as those already mentioned, all the other neighbourhoods within the municipal boundaries also organise their own festivities:

15th May: Festivities of San Isidro.
17th August: Festivities of Santimami.
10th September: Festivities of Udondo.
29th September: Festivities of San Miguel de la Txopera.

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