Entering old Butrón castle is like taking a trip back to the Middle Ages. The building, perched on the top of a hill in Gatika, between Bilbao and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, dates back to no less than the thirteenth century. The fairy-tale castle, in neo-Gothic style, surrounded by a leafy centuries-old forest, underwent an exhaustive restoration in the nineteenth century, but today it can only be visited from the outside.
- Butrón castle: a history of battles
- Visiting the castle: what can you see
- What to see on the way to Butrón castle
Butrón castle: a history of battles
The history of Butrón castle also allows you to imagine the time when the fortress was the backdrop to continuous, bloody battle between the different sides of nobility in Biscay, while inside, the Lords of Butrón exercised their power over the region. The building was not always a castle; in the thirteenth century it was the residence of the Lords of Butrón, in what was a type of tower house. It was in the fourteenth century when the V lord of Butrón seemingly transformed it into a castle.
The battles between the different sides of nobility in Biscay went on for more than 300 years and, when they ended in the early sixteenth century, the castle was abandoned and gradually fell into decline until it was fully restored, by the Marquis of Torrecilla, in the late nineteenth century, to its present-day appearance. The architect Francisco de Cubas was commissioned with the restoration, which began in 1878, following existing standards for European castles. The keep is similar to that of the Alcázar of Segovia and many of its interior rooms are connected via open-air walkways and stairs.
Visiting the castle: what can you see
Unfortunately, the castle can only be seen from the outside, as it has once again been abandoned to its fate. Declared Spanish Historical Heritage, it is owned by the Inbisa business group and is currently for sale. In case you are wondering, the castle is priced at more than three million euros. In any case, it is worth the effort to reach it, since the surrounding landscape is truly spectacular and the castle’s structure is also very unique, with a style that is very different from Spain’s other medieval fortresses, more reminiscent of traditional nineteenth-century Bavarian castles.
Butrón castle, in Biscay, has a surface area of around 2,400 square metres and the surrounding park, spanning over 35,000 square metres, is home to native and exotic plant species. The building is surrounded by a backwater of the Butrón river that also serves as a moat, which is crossed by a bridge that leads inside Butrón castle.
If you are travelling with children, Butrón castle is a great place to visit, since it looks like something out of a fairy tale. And, what’s more, if you enjoy a spot of photography, you will be able to get a lot out of it, as it is surrounded by a spectacular swathe of greenery that makes the castle look as if it has an incredible romantic halo.
What to see on the way to Butrón castle
Butrón castle is situated in the Uribe region, in an area with many attractions, fairly close to Bilbao. On the way to Butrón castle, you cannot miss Martiartu tower or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe chapel, as well as Plentzia and Berango, where you can visit the Iron Belt Memorial. And, if you want to enjoy a day at the beach, Gorliz beach is just a stone’s throw away.
Martiartu tower
This sixteenth-century defensive structure is located in the municipality of Erandio, 11 kilometres from Butrón castle. Although the inside is empty, remains of the primitive medieval structure, dating from the fourteenth century, can still be seen, as well as traces of the floors into which it was originally divided.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
This natural wonder along the Bay of Biscay is 23 kilometres from Butrón castle, between Bakio and Bermeo. Although it looks like an islet, it is actually connected to the mainland by a stone bridge and a 241-step staircase. The chapel that stands today is not the original one, as it was ravaged by several fires and had to be rebuilt. The views from here are truly spectacular.
Plentzia
Nine kilometres from Butrón castle, this historical Biscayan municipality is well worth a visit due to its fascinating heritage including Santa María Magdalena church, from the fourteenth century; Santiago gate, which is part of the town’s ancient wall; the Tower, which today houses Plasentia Butrón Museum, and Torrebarri house museum, bearing the coat of arms of the Lords of Butrón, the region’s main lineage.
Berango
Eleven kilometres from Butrón castle, this pretty village is crossed by the Gobela river, which flows into the bay of El Abra. Here you can visit the megalithic complex of Munarrikolanda, Santo Domingo de Guzmán church (eighteenth century), Santa Ana chapel (eighteenth century), various fortified towers and the Areneburu bunker, which has a machine gun nest from the Civil War.
Gorliz beach
Almost one kilometre long, this beach is protected by the bay, making it one of the safest along the Basque coast. What’s more, it offers a wide range of water sports and is within walking distance of the municipality of Gorliz. The beach is 12 kilometres from Butrón castle.
