THE MOUNTAIN OF IRON
zerain
The best way to see how iron has shaped the land and history of the Basque Country, and especially the village of Zerain, is visiting the mines of Aizpea, known as the Mountain of Iron, and visiting one of the galleries -declared Monumental Complex by the Basque Government’s Ministry of Culture- to admire how iron was extracted in the old days.
There are other curiosities in Zerain: going into an 18th-century jail or seeing a hydro sawmill going on. During All weekends and holidays there are guided tours from the Zerain Tourist Office.
This is the timetable for guided tours:
| Aizpea mines | Basque | 10:45 |
| Larraondo samwill | Basque-spanish | 12:00 |
| Aizpea mines | Bassque | 12:45 |
EMAIL: turismobulegoa@zerain.eus
Aizpitta’s Interpretation Centre has been created with the purpose of researching the history of the town and showing the tourist the true essence of the place.
Zerain has some other highlights as well: its 18th century prison, its hydraulic sawmil… the guys at their tourist office are eager to show you everything!
The Mountain of Iron
Knowing Zerain is knowing its past in the mining industry. Since the 11th century, iron has been extracted in their Aizpea mines, an externsion of 150 hectares inside Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park, shaping a very peculiar landscape that is worth a visit.
This mines have been declared Monumental Complex by the Basque Government’s Ministry of Culture.
Aizpitta Interpretation Centre is the place to start your visit! You will clearly see the impact of this industry in the current landscape, our society, the local economy and some sociocultural aspects from the 11th century till now.
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