Oiartzun facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oiartzun
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 Oiartzun
Location in Basque Country
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  Basque Country |
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| Province | Gipuzkoa | |
| Eskualdea | Oarsoaldea | |
| Founded | 1453 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 59.71 km2 (23.05 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 10,276 | |
| • Density | 172.098/km2 (445.73/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Basque: oiartzuar Spanish: oyarsonense |
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| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
20180
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Oiartzun is a town and municipality located in the Basque Country, a special region in northern Spain. It's found in the province of Gipuzkoa, right at the foot of the impressive Aiako Harria mountains. The town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and its unique layout.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Story of Oiartzun
The name Oiartzun comes from an old Roman town called Oiasso or Oiarso. This Roman town was very important because it was close to the Arditurri mines. These mines, located in the Aiako Harria mountains, had lots of silver and copper. Even though the Roman town was likely in Irun, the name Oiartzun might have referred to the whole area around the mines.
Exploring the Geography of Oiartzun
A river with the same name flows gently through the green fields and different neighborhoods of Oiartzun. This river is one of the town's main features. Oiartzun is spread out across its valley, with many distinct areas.
Main Areas of Oiartzun
- Elizalde: This is the main part of the town. It sits on a small hill and is where you'll find the important San Esteban church and the town hall.
- Altzibar: Located at the bottom of Elizalde, this neighborhood is right by the Oiartzun River.
- Ugaldetxo: This area has grown into a more urban space. It's surrounded by industrial areas and is close to the AP-8 motorway.
- Other Neighborhoods: Many other parts of Oiartzun have kept their rural and scenic charm.
How Oiartzun Became Independent
Alfonso VIII of Castile first gave Oiartzun its town charter. However, it took several decades for Oiartzun to become completely independent from a nearby town called Orereta.
Sports in Oiartzun
Oiartzun has its own football club called Oiartzun KE. They play their games at the Karla Lekuona stadium. The women's team from Oiartzun KE has even played in the top division of Spanish football. This is a big achievement, making Oiartzun one of the smallest towns in Spain to have a top-tier football club!
Famous People from Oiartzun
Many talented people were born in Oiartzun. Here are a few:
- Sebastián Lartaún: A Roman Catholic leader who was the Bishop of Cuzco from 1570 to 1583.
- Xabier Lete (1944–2010): A well-known writer, poet, singer, and politician.
- Izaskun Zubizarreta Guerendiain (1970–2024): A skilled ski mountaineer.
- Juan María Lekuona (1927–2005): A priest, poet, and expert in languages.
- Rafael Picavea y Leguía (1867–1946): An industrialist, politician, and journalist.
- José Manuel Lasa (born 1940): A professional cyclist.
- Txomin Perurena (born 1943): Another professional cyclist.
- Maixux Rekalde (1934–2022): A pacifist, activist, and journalist.
- Miguel María Lasa (born 1948): A professional cyclist.
- Iker Leonet (born 1983): A professional cyclist.
Twin Towns: Friends Across Borders
Oiartzun is connected with other towns around the world through a special program called "twinning." This helps towns share cultures and ideas. Oiartzun is twinned with:
See also
In Spanish: Oyarzun para niños
