The cape of Matxitxako
The northernmost point of the peninsula. The two lighthouses, the new one as much as the old one, together with the forces of nature convert this place into a magical space. If you want to feel the grandness and enormity of the sky and the sea, stop and enjoy the sunset. It’s picture perfect.
The ferocity of the sea along the coast of Bizkaia and the rough weather have caused many shipwrecks. It’s worth mentioning the tragedy of Holy Saturday 1878. At noon, a violent hurricane caused 14 batel boats and 3 txalupa boats to shipwreck killing 85 men. Another memorable tragedy occurred the night of the 12th to the 13th of August 1912. The gales of this night killed 116 people from Bermeo.
Bermeo has had 3 lighthouses to help orient sailors:
The Errosape lighthouse (1912) situated to the west of Lamiaran. The function of this signal was to facilitate access to the port. It’s light is white and red and each 6 seconds it flashes two beams of light with a reach of 9 miles.
The oldest lighthouse was inaugurated the 21st of August 1852
The building engineer was Juan Martinez Aparicio and it’s building cost 132,532 reales (the currency of that time). It was built with rock from Duranguesado. The optical apparatus then cost an additional 233,796 reales. The Matxitxako lighthouse is situated in the most protruded part of the cape. Due to its optical projection and geometry, the lighthouse was considered first rate and had a reach of 23 miles. It’s white light flashed every four seconds. The light also reaches 79.42 meters above sea level. It had 3 watch guards in the tower and was functioning until December of 1909. Since then, the old tower has been used as a fog lamp.
The current lighthouse of Matxitxako is 110 meters to the south. It was inaugurated in 1909 and was built by the well-known engineer Rafael de La Cerda.
It was used as a school for lighthouse keepers. The building includes a house for the lighthouse keeper, storehouse and tool area in its rectangular base. The main entrance is a round arch. The floors and beams are also reinforced with moldings. The white light flashes every 7 seconds and it’s reach is 35 miles. The bulb is situated 122 meters above sea level and 20,6 above land. It’s light radiates from Castro Urdiales to the river Deba.
When talking about Matxitxako we can’t forget to mention the battle that occurred the 5th of March 1937. Thirty five sailors from from Itsas Gudaroste sacrificed their lives in the battle against the battleship “Canarias” who tried to take the power from the Republic.
Routes
Routes
The unmatched landscape and its architectural treasures make tours of this area an unparalleled experience. To enjoy this, it is important to be in good physical shape.
Don’t forget to bring proper footwear and drinking water. Given that it is a protected area, taking care of the animals, plants and preserving the peace is the responsibility of everyone. Taking trash to it’s proper container is also the responsibility of everyone.
