Circular route from the urban center of Zalla to the monumental sites of Bolunburu and La Mella, following the path that runs along the Kadagua River. The tour starts next to Murga Palace, seat of the town hall of Zalla. It is a 17th century baroque building with the coats of arms of the Salcedo and Ayala families on its facade. It is surrounded by gardens that are home to more than 30 species of trees from five continents.
On our way to the monumental sites, we will pass by the Irlandesas School, opened in 1904, and the germ of the current community of these schools. Later, we will find La Ermita de San Pedro de Zarikete (hermitage). There was a time when Zalla was part of the Ruta de La Lana and the old Camino de la Montaña to Santiago de Compostela. Legend says that, for centuries, the hermitage attracted a multitude of pilgrims seeking protection against the evil eye.
Once in the Kadagua River basin, it won't take long to reach the Bolunburu recreation area, an ideal place to stop along the way, regain energy, and enjoy the environment. Here you will find a monumental complex composed of the ruins of some forges and an old mill, the magnificent Ermita de Santa Ana (hermitage) (in 1610) and a tower house.
A few kilometers later, another monumental complex will appear to us, La Mella, presided over by the magnificent 17th century Ermita de San Antonio (hermitage). The complex is located in a niche located on both sides of the Kadagua River, between the mountains. It is a rare example of a private funeral chapel in Biscay. In addition to the hermitage, it is composed of the Urrutia Palace, the Terreros Tower, two forges, a mill and several houses. Most of it and its charm are still preserved.
We will return to our starting point via the bidegorri (bicycle path), which follows the old La Robla railway route, although a 500 m segment coincides with that of the old main road.
Close to the itinerary is the largest archaeological site of Zalla: the remains of the Bolunburu Fortress, a fortified city dating from the Second Iron Age.
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