Zegama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Zegama
Cegama
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View of Zegama from Aizkorri
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 Zegama
Location in Spain
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| Country | Spain | |
| Autonomous community | Basque Country | |
| Province | Gipuzkoa | |
| Eskualdea | Goierri | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 35.07 km2 (13.54 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 1,519 | |
| • Density | 43.313/km2 (112.18/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Zegamar | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
20215
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| Official language(s) | Basque, Spanish | |
Zegama is a small town and a municipality (like a local area) in northern Spain. It's in a region called Goierri, within the Gipuzkoa province of the Basque Country. People often call it "the shadow of Aizkorri" because it's so close to the big Aizkorri mountain.
Contents
Exploring Zegama's Nature
Zegama is known for its amazing natural surroundings. It's the last town in Gipuzkoa province as you go up the valley of the Oria River. This area is very close to the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park.
Mountains and Rivers
The Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park is home to the highest mountain in the Basque Country, which is called Aizkorri. This peak stands tall at 1,528 meters (about 5,013 feet) and can be seen from all around Zegama.
The Oria River is the longest river in the Gipuzkoa province. It starts from many small springs and streams that flow down the steep hillsides of the valley. These streams all join together to form the main river before it reaches the town.
Water's Journey
There's a small village called Otzaurte in the southern part of Zegama. This place is special because it's on a "dividing line" for water. Some water flows towards the Mediterranean Sea, while other water flows north to the Atlantic Ocean through the Oria River.
The Way of St. James
A very old path called the Way of St James (also known as the Tunnel Route) goes right through Zegama. This path has been used by pilgrims (people on a religious journey) for hundreds of years, since the Middle Ages.
Hikers and backpackers can follow this path from Zegama. After about 5 kilometers (3 miles) of walking uphill, they reach the San Adrian tunnel. This tunnel leads to the flat lands of Alava, the beautiful Urbia fields, and the rugged peaks of the Aizkorri mountain range.
Zegama's Climate
The weather in Zegama is typical for the eastern part of the Cantabrian area. It's generally mild and humid. The average temperature is around 12°C (53.6°F). You can expect about 180 rainy days each year. Autumn can also be quite windy.
Zegama's Economy
The main ways people make a living in Zegama are through industry. However, farming is still an important part of life here.
Farming and Cheese
Many people raise cattle, especially sheep, on the mountain slopes. This tradition has been going on for thousands of years. You can even find old traces and huge stone structures (called megalithic vestiges) that show how people lived and farmed here long ago.
The sheep grazing helps produce a very famous and delicious cheese called Idiazabal cheese. This special cheese is made and labeled in the whole Aizkorri-Aratz area and the Basque mountains.
Sports in Zegama
One of the most exciting events in Zegama every year is the Zegama-Aizkorri Alpine Marathon. This is a big running race that goes through the mountains. It's part of the Skyrunner World Series, which is like a world championship for mountain running.
Famous People from Zegama
- Joxe Azurmendi, a philosopher (someone who studies big ideas about life and knowledge)
- Joxantonio Ormazabal, a writer
See also
In Spanish: Cegama para niños
