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OUR HISTORY

THE TOWN

RURAL NATURE

15th c.

TRADITIONAL TRADES

From the late 15th century and on through the 16th and 17th centuries the town of Elorrio was a major manufacturer of edged weapons and firearms.

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THE BATTLE OF ELORRIO

This clash between factions in a long-running Basque power struggle is considered to be one of the great battles of the Middle Ages.

16th c.

HERALDRY IN ELORRIO

Most of the coats of arms on the mansions and houses of the town belong to surnames that originated on farmsteads in the rural hamlets. Check here whether your surname originates from Elorrio.

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LA HERÁDICA EN ELORRIO

THE “ERREBOMBILLO” FESTIVITIES

Every year young people dressed as “Errebombillos” march through the streets of Elorrio in a procession that recalls the Battle of Lepanto. Find out the meaning of the word and the legend behind it.

MANUEL PLÁCIDO DE BERRIOZABALBEITIA

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Judge representing the crown in Lima, Cuzco and Charcas and Elorrio’s greatest patron. It is said that he had a well-spring built in the hamlet of Berriozabaleta to help his wife get over her homesickness for her native Peru.

SAINT VALENTINE

BERRIO-OTXOA

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Patron saint of Elorrio and joint patron of Bizkaia. He travelled the world preaching his faith and was sentenced to death for refusing to renounce it. Hear his story.

ELVIRA IÑURRIETA AZKARRAGA

1.895

Known simply as “the midwife”, she helped at least 2400 children into the world in Elorrio. Isn’t that impressive?

ALEJANDRO

GOIKOETXEA OMAR

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This innovative engineer was one of the brains behind the design and construction of the train known as the Talgo, though some remember him better as the “turncoat of the Iron Ring".