This island is full of history—Knights Templar, Francis Drake and the Huguenots of La Rochelle have been here and left their marks. No wonder it looks like a perfect illustration from a medieval novel. Gaztelugatxe is located off the coast of Biscay and belongs to Bermeo municipality in Basque Country. It is connected to the mainland by only an old medieval-era bridge. The island hosts a hermitage named Gaztelugatxeko Doniene or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and was dedicated to John the Baptist, and dates back to the 9th-10th century.
The bridge and other structures could have been constructed by the Knights Templar. The hermitage has been burned and destroyed a few times over history but was rebuilt each time. The hermitage belongs to the parish of San Pelayo in Bakio and is available to visit. According to legend, after you climb up the old staircase, ring the bell three times and make a wish.
Gaztelugatxe comes from the Basque word gaztelu which means "castle" and gaitz which means "difficult". In 1334 it was the place where the Lord of Biscay, Juan Núñez de Lara, confronted Alfonso XI, King of Castile. In 1593 it was attacked by Francis Drake. One year later it was attacked by the Huguenots, who killed the caretaker. In the 18th century, it was attacked by English troops. In 1978 the hermitage was almost destroyed by fire.
You can visit the island all year, the best time to visit is spring through fall, namely from March to October. Winters are too cold and humid to enjoy the outdoors. Summer is better in terms of weather, as well as transportation options. Besides, the church which is usually closed is opened during the summer. Also, there's a pilgrimage arranged for St. John's Feast. This means summer on the island can be crowded.
Practical info
What is the history of the hermitage Gaztelugatxeko Doniene?
Gaztelugatxeko Doniene, a hermitage located on the small island of Gaztelugatxe in the Basque Country, dates back to the 9th-10th century. The original building was dedicated to John the Baptist, and the current structure, believed to have been built in the 17th-18th century, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The island is connected to the mainland by an old medieval-era bridge and is popular with tourists and pilgrims. Show more
Which municipality does Gaztelugatxe belong to?
Gaztelugatxe is located off the coast of Biscay and belongs to Bermeo municipality in the Basque Country. To reach the island, visitors must cross an old medieval-era bridge. Gaztelugatxe has a storied past, with historical figures like Francis Drake and the Huguenots of La Rochelle leaving their marks on the area. The hermitage of Gaztelugatxeko Doniene is available for visitors to explore. Show more
What does the word Gaztelugatxe mean?
Gaztelugatxe is a Basque word derived from the words gaztelu, meaning "castle", and gaitz, meaning "difficult". The island is connected to the mainland by a long staircase that visitors must climb to reach the hermitage. Pilgrims and tourists are drawn to the area by the challenging climb and the beautiful views. The island has a rich history, and its past is evident in its architecture and landmarks. Show more
When is the best time to visit Gaztelugatxe?
The optimal time to visit Gaztelugatxe is between March and October. Winter weather is too cold and damp to enjoy the outdoors, and the summer months attract crowds, making it difficult to explore. During the summer, the church is open to visitors, and there is a pilgrimage for St. John's Feast. In spring and fall, visitors can experience mild weather and fewer crowds on the island. Show more
Which historical figures played a role in Gaztelugatxe's past?
Gaztelugatxe has a long history, and its architecture and landmarks bear witness to its storied past. Knights Templar, Francis Drake, and the Huguenots of La Rochelle have all left their marks on the island. It played a part in several historical events, including a confrontation between the Lord of Biscay and the King of Castile in 1334, and a nearly destructive fire in 1978. English troops attacked the island in the 18th century. Show more
