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Zumarraga, Spain facts for kids

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Zumarraga
Zumarraga - Plaza de Euskadi 4.jpg
Coat of arms of Zumarraga
Coat of arms
Motto(s): 
Muy Noble, Muy Leal y Muy Fiel Villa de Zumárraga
Location of Zumarraga
Zumarraga is located in Basque Country
Zumarraga
Zumarraga
Location in Basque Country
Zumarraga is located in Spain
Zumarraga
Zumarraga
Location in Spain
Country Spain
Autonomous community  Basque Country
Province  Gipuzkoa
Eskualdea Urola Garaia
Area
 • Land 19.42 km2 (7.50 sq mi)
Elevation
356 m (1,168 ft)
Population
 (2018)
 • Total 9,834
 • Density 507.11/km2 (1,313.4/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal codes
20700
Website www.zumarraga.eus

Zumarraga (pronounced "soo-mah-RAH-gah") is a town and municipality in the Gipuzkoa province of the Basque Country in northern Spain. It is an industrial town located about 56 kilometers (35 miles) southwest of San Sebastián.

The Urola River flows through Zumarraga. In 2018, about 9,834 people lived there. Zumarraga is famous for being the birthplace of Miguel López de Legazpi, a Spanish explorer who traveled to the Pacific Islands.

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History of Zumarraga

Zumarraga has a long history. In 1446, a battle took place here during a time called the War of the Bands. This was a period when different noble families fought for power in the Basque Country.

During the 15th century, a bridge connecting Zumarraga and the nearby town of Urretxu was named after the Zufiaur family. This bridge is still an important landmark today.

Geography and Location

Zumarraga is located in a narrow valley called Alto Urola in Gipuzkoa. The valley is about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) wide. The Urola River runs through the area.

Neighboring Towns and Borders

The Urola River separates Zumarraga from its neighbor, Urretxu, to the west. These two towns are so close they form one urban area. To the south, Zumarraga borders Legazpi and Gaviria. To the west, it borders Ezkio-Itsaso, and to the north, it borders Azpeitia and Azkoitia.

Mountains Around Zumarraga

Zumarraga is surrounded by several mountains. The main ones are Samiño, which is 930 meters (3,051 feet) high, Izazpi, at 967 meters (3,173 feet), and Beloqui, which is 660 meters (2,165 feet) tall. These mountains offer beautiful views and opportunities for hiking.

Main Neighborhoods and Streets

The town has many different neighborhoods and streets. Some of the well-known areas include Secundino Esnaola, Etxeberri, Orbegozo, Plaza Leturias, Argixao, and Eitza. Other important streets are Avenue Padre Urdaneta, Ipar Haizea, Agiña, San Cristóbal, and Eliz-kale.

Economy and Industry

Zumarraga's economy grew a lot with the arrival of the railway in the late 1800s.

Early Industries

In 1885, the Justo Artiz factory was built. It became famous for making wicker baskets. After the Spanish Civil War, which ended in 1939, the iron and steel industry became very important.

Steel Industry Growth

The Estaban Orbegozo factory was built, which led to many workers moving to Zumarraga from nearby areas. This factory helped the town's economy grow significantly, making it an industrial center.

Celebrations and Festivals

Zumarraga celebrates several festivals throughout the year. These events are a great way for the community to come together and have fun.

  • July 2: Santa Isabel - A celebration dedicated to Saint Isabel.
  • August 15: Day of the Virgin - A religious holiday honoring the Virgin Mary.
  • December 13: Santa Lucía/Santa Luzia - A festival for Saint Lucy.
  • May 15: San Isidro - A celebration for Saint Isidore, often linked to farmers.

Notable Landmarks and Buildings

Zumarraga has many interesting places to visit, from historic buildings to modern facilities.

Migel Lopez Legazpi jaiotetxea Zumarraga
Legazpi Tower, the birthplace of Miguel López de Legazpi.

Historic Buildings and Squares

  • Plaza de Euskadi: This main square features a monument dedicated to Miguel López de Legazpi, the famous explorer. It also has the Plaza Porticada, a square with covered walkways, and the Casa Uzcanga, a historic house built in 1867.
  • Caserío Aitzabaso: Also known as "Areizaga Dorrea," this old building in the Barrio of Aranburu is known for its unique arches.
  • Caserío Gurrutxaga Goikoa and Caserío Aizpuru: These traditional farmhouses are located in the Barrio of Soraitz.

Religious Buildings

  • Church of Santa María de la Asunción: This church was first built in 1576. Its tower was added later, in the 18th century.
  • Ermita de San Gregorio and Ermita de San Cristóbal: These two small chapels (hermitages) both date back to 1540.
  • Templo del Convento de las Hermanas Mercedarias de la Caridad: This temple was built in 1930.
  • Templo parroquial El Salvador: This modern church opened in October 1971 and was designed by architect Iñigo Guibert de Encío.

Modern Facilities

  • Argizao Stadium: This stadium is used for local football matches and athletics events.
  • Zumarraga Hospital: Located east of the stadium, it provides healthcare services to the community.
  • Instituto De Educacion Secundaria Jose Maria Iparraguirre: This secondary school is in the northwestern part of town.
  • Lamorous-Argixao Old People's Home: Opened in 2008, this modern center provides care for seniors. It has rooms for 115 residents and also offers day care services. In 2019, an outdoor meeting area was added for residents.

Famous People from Zumarraga

Many notable individuals have come from Zumarraga, contributing to various fields like exploration, sports, and politics.

  • Miguel López de Legazpi (1502–1572): A Spanish explorer who led the first Spanish expedition to the Philippines.
  • Secundino Esnaola (1878–1929): A talented musician and composer.
  • Antonio Juantegui (1898–1966): An international footballer who played in the 1924 Olympic Games.
  • Iñaki Linazasoro (1931–2004): A well-known writer.
  • Juan María Mújica (1963–2004): A footballer who played for famous teams like Real Sociedad and Deportivo.
  • Josu Jon Imaz (1963): A chemist and politician who was a leader of the Partido Nacionalista Vasco political party.
  • Iñaki Urdangarin (1968): A former handball player and international handball judge.
  • Aitor González Jiménez (1975): A professional cyclist who won the Vuelta a España race in 2002.
  • Mikel Balenziaga (1988): A professional footballer who plays for Athletic Bilbao.
  • Dani García (1990): A professional footballer who has played for teams like Eibar and Athletic Bilbao.

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See also

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