Buruntza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buruntza |
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Buruntza's north-west face
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 441 m (1,447 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Language of name | Lua error in Module:ISO_639_name at line 108: attempt to index local 'data' (a nil value). |
| Pronunciation | Basque: [buˈɾunts̻a] |
| Geography | |
 Buruntza
Location in Spain
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| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | From Azkorte in Lasarte-Oria |
Buruntza is a small but interesting mountain in the Basque Country, Spain. It stands 441 meters (about 1,447 feet) tall. You can find it about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of the city of San Sebastian.
Many towns are located around its base. These include Andoain to the south, Lasarte-Oria to the north, and Urnieta to the east. Buruntza stretches from the northeast to the southwest. It starts near the Azkorte chapel and goes all the way to a quarry at its southern end.
This mountain faces Adarra to the east. It is also located east of another mountain called Andatza, which is 562 meters tall. At the very top of Buruntza, you will see a large cross.
The Oria River flows north along Buruntza's northwest side. This river runs through a valley close to the mountain. A main road, the N-1 E-5 E-80, follows the river on both sides. This area was once a race-car circuit from 1923 to 1935. Its winding shape still shows its racing past.
On the southeast side, near Urnieta and Andoain, the Urumea valley spreads out. Buruntza stands tall in the middle, offering great views of everything around it.
Contents
How to Reach Buruntza's Trails
The main way to start your climb up Buruntza is from the Azkorte chapel. This chapel is located at 210 meters (about 689 feet) above sea level. You will need to cross a fence to begin your hike.
From there, the trail slowly goes uphill towards the southeast. The path is easy to follow because it has clear signs. If you try to reach the top from the southeast side, near Andoain, you might find the path has changed. This is due to a growing quarry in the area.
A dirt track from the quarry crosses the northeast side of the mountain halfway up. This track then turns into a concrete road. It slopes down towards the edge of the Oria neighborhood in Lasarte-Oria.
Buruntza's Landscape and Quarries
Buruntza is at the very end of a small ridge. Here, you can see special rocks called Urgonian limestone sticking out. These rock formations have made the area popular for digging up stone. Because of this, the mountain has many quarries that are getting bigger.
For example, the Azkorte chapel had to be moved in 1973. It was moved from its old spot to its current place at the Burundain pass. This happened because a stone quarry was being built there. Another chapel, San Roke, is also near the edge of the southernmost quarry.
Most of the trees on Buruntza are Monterey pines. These trees are grown for wood, especially on the steep northeast side. There are also some willow trees.
There's a fun legend about this area! It says that a mythological giant named Sanson once threw a stone at the people of Arano. He used a sling made from willow branches. But he slipped, and the stone didn't go far enough. This is how the ridge of Aballarri was formed. Aballarri means 'stone of the sling'.
Ancient Discoveries and History
Buruntza has an important archaeological site on its slopes, close to the top. This site was once a settlement from the Iron Age. This was about 2,500 to 3,000 years ago.
Scientists have found remains of different plants there. These include cereals like wheat, oats, and barley. They also found legumes like broad beans and peas. These discoveries have led to a new idea about ancient borders. This theory suggests that the old boundary between the Vascones and the Varduli tribes was east of Buruntza, in Leitzaran.
At the start of the Spanish Civil War in 1936, a fierce battle took place on Buruntza. Soldiers who supported the Republic set up a defense line there. The mountain was very important for controlling Lasarte-Oria, Andoain, and the roads between San Sebastian and Bilbao.
The Republican soldiers built many trenches on the mountain's slopes. It took three days of fighting for the Francoist troops to finally take over the summit.
Yearly Events on Buruntza
Every year, at the beginning of May, a special celebration takes place. It's called the Holy Cross or Santa Kruzak festivity. This event is held at the Azkorte chapel.
After a religious service, people enjoy traditional music and dancing. They also share snacks and drinks. The day often ends with a big meal for everyone.
See also
In Spanish: Burunza para niños
