Walk through the Historic Quarter of Areatza
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Description
A very pleasant tour that will allow us to learn about the history of this beautiful village through its buildings.
The route begins at the Interpretation Centre, continuing through the Old Town to a small path on the banks of the River Arratia. The Old Town has cobbled streets, but these do not pose any difficulty for wheelchair users, as the streets are wide and have no architectural barriers. The riverside section has a fine gravel surface, which does not prevent wheelchair access.
Adapted public toilets are available at the Interpretation Centre.
Highlight
- In the beautiful Arratia Valley, sheltered by the highest mountain in Bizkaia (Gorbeia), we find this medieval town, which boasts a town centre that has been declared a Cultural Asset in the category of Monumental Site.
- The characteristics of its old town allow us to take a short stroll through its narrow cobbled streets and appreciate the unique houses of the municipality, which retain all their typical Basque flavour. As mentioned above, this town in Bizkaia has an architectural heritage of great interest.
- On the right bank of the River Arratia, opposite the Zubizarra bridge, is the convent of Santa Isabel. We will also visit the church of San Bartolomé, a discreet building completed in the 19th century. From there, we will soon reach the most notable buildings, which are grouped around the town hall square: the Gortazar palace, the Riscal palace and the town hall itself, in neoclassical style.
- Areatza, located in a spectacular setting at the foot of Gorbeia, is the starting point for numerous mountain excursions. Gorbeia Natural Park is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Basque Autonomous Community due to its incalculable scenic, cultural and natural value.
How to get here
By car
- A8 motorway towards Donostia/San Sebastián, exit at Hospital Galdakao.
- Continue on the N-240 road towards Gazteiz/Vitoria until the Artea exit.
By bus (Bizkaibus)
- Line A3917.
- Line A3927.
Route
Walk through the Historic Quarter of Areatza
Suitable for people with reduced mobility (PRM)
A simple ring tour of 2 km from the parking, going along the Old Quarter cobbled road, alternating closely laid cobbles with wider paving stones which facilitate wheelchair transit. Wide streets without architectural barriers. On reaching the river we come up against a surface of fine gravel, not to mention occasional potholes, yet it’s still possible to use a wheelchair and enjoy the landscape of the Riverside Forest.
On the right bank of the Arratia River opposite Zubizarra Bridge, we have the Santa Isabel Convent. We can also visit the Church of San Bartolomé, a discreet building finished in the 19th century. From there, we will soon reach the most important buildings grouped around the Town Hall Square: Gortazar Palace, Riscal Palace, and the town hall itself of neoclassic style.
Areatza set in a spectacular spot at the foot of Gorbeia, is the starting point of numerous mountain excursions. The Natural Park of Gorbeia is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the Autonomous Basque Community given its incalculable cultural, landscape and nature value.
During this section we’ll come across several taverns where we can rest and have a drink while enjoying the medieval buildings and the most characteristic Basque architecture in Areatza.
Features and services
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- Obstacles
Some sections have stairs, but there is always an accessible route or an alternative ramp to overcome the change in level.
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- Is there reception equipment on the section?
- No
Personal care area
- Are ICTs available so that the location and services are publicized in different languages?
- Yes
Store
- Is there one or more stores at the reception?
- No
Children’s area
- Is there a children’s area at the reception?
- No
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Access
- Is there lighting at night?
- Yes
- Minimum accessible connection between parking spaces, if any, the start of the obstacle-free trail
- Yes
- Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
- Yes, with assistance from third parties
- Parking spaces reserved for vehicles used to transport disabled people according to current regulations. At least 5% of the total spaces
- Yes
- Parking signage, if any, with the International Accessibility Symbol on the floor and/or on walls
- Yes
- Interpretative panel features Braille, audio support, graphics, pictograms, etc.
- Yes
- Informative poster at the start of the trail indicating the length, route, difficulty, duration and slopes by sections
- No
- Path start sign positioned no higher than 195cm
- No
Itinerary
- 2 m. paved trails with non-deformable and non-slip material, with a different texture and different from the rest
- Yes
- The route is more than 150cm wide, with occasional narrowings of 90cm
- Yes
- Minimum clearance height of 220 cm
- Yes
- Rest areas
- Yes
- Guiding partition and/or tactile foot signs to draw attention to an important feature
- Yes
- Islands with a minimum width of 150 cm to facilitate two wheelchairs passing each other
- Yes
- Is there an adequate slope to allow circulation without assistance, with personal assistance or with technical assistance?
- Yes, with assistance from third parties