Natural Park and town
The most extraordinary spot in Gipuzkoa and one of the most beautiful surroundings in Euskadi.
OÑATI
Nestled among striking buildings, palaces, and churches with great architectural value, and surrounded by lush green mountains and meadows, lies Oñati – the largest municipality in Gipuzkoa, widely known for the Sanctuary of Arantzazu.
The Old Town, designated as a Monumental Ensemble, is home to the Basque Country’s oldest university, Sancti Spiritus University, founded in 1543 – a true Renaissance gem. Just nine kilometers from the town, beneath the Aizkorri-Aratz natural park, you will find the Sanctuary of Arantzazu. The basilica, built in the 1950s, is a prime example of avant-garde art.
Set in its natural surroundings, the Aizkorri-Aratz mountain range holds some of the highest peaks, including Aitxuri (1,551m) and Aizkorri (1,523m). Together with other mountains, they form a striking massif – a landmark for Basque mountaineers. This extraordinary landscape gives rise to mythological references, archaeological sites, dolmens, ancient caves, and Roman roads.
MURGIALDAI HISTORY
The Murgialdai farmhouse is located in the Murgia neighborhood of Oñati, in an exceptional natural setting bordered by the Ubao river, which flows down from Mount Aloña and framed by beech and oak forests. The area’s first written records date back to 1149, while the earliest mention of the existence of the farmhouse, whose name means ‘Hillside Pass’, appears in 1489.
The history of our farmhouse reflects diverse economic activity over time, giving it a unique character. Once a noble house (oinetxe), it later became involved with the Catholic Church, and eventually developed into a self-sufficient farm by producing all raw materials needed for an autarkic lifestyle. The vineyard, according to various documents, was cultivated for family use since at least 1850. Dairy cattle rearing also played a significant role in its agricultural past, with remarkable production during the 1980s and 90s, continuing into the 2000s.
