White building with clock and coat of arms, balcony and windows. Asier Sarasua Garmendia, Assar, CC BY-SA 3.0

Izurtza

Basque Country

224Population
4.34 km²Area
148 mElevation
48213Postal code

Izurza is a municipality in Biscay, Basque Country, characterized by its picturesque setting between limestone mountains and the Mañaria River. With a small population, it features a mix of urban and rural areas, reflecting its agricultural roots and industrial development.

02Geography

Nestled between the imposing limestone formations of Mugarra and Untzillaitz, Izurza lies along the banks of the Mañaria River. The municipality is bordered by Durango to the north, Mañaria to the south, and Abadiano to the east. Its urban area, Elizalde, is situated along the provincial road BI-623, with several rural neighborhoods like Etxano, Ortuzar, and Bitaño spread across the surrounding hills.

Distance to Durango
1.5 km
Main river
Mañaria
Rural neighborhoods
Etxano, Ortuzar, Bitaño
Industrial area
Lejartza

03History

The origins of Izurza are intertwined with the history of the region, with legends suggesting that the Etxaburu tower house was built by the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius. This tower, significant in local lore, was destroyed and rebuilt several times, with the current church dedicated to San Nicolás Obispo constructed in the 16th century. The municipality has maintained a stable population over time, influenced by both emigration and immigration.

Izurza is a small municipality in Biscay, Basque Country, known for its scenic landscapes and rich history.

04Cultural Heritage and Economy

Izurza is home to notable heritage sites, including the Etxaburu tower and several hermitages. The local economy has historically relied on agriculture and livestock, though industrial development has shifted the focus towards manufacturing. The proximity to Durango has influenced the availability of services, which remain limited within Izurza itself.

Izurtza · Data
Province
Biscay
Autonomous community
Basque Country
Population
224
Area
4.34 km²
Elevation
148 m
Postal code
48213
Website
http://www.izurtza.net/eu-ES/Orrialdeak/default.aspx
Coordinates
43.1550, -2.6389

Photos

Stone tower with wooden roof in Izurza, Vizcaya.
Etxaburu Tower, an old stone structure in Izurza, surrounded by nature and trees.
Farmhouse with tiled roof and meadow with trees and mountains in the background.
Goienengoa farmhouse and meadow in Izurza, with mountains in the background.
A stone building with arched windows and a tiled roof in Izurza.
Arana jauregia in Izurza, a historic stone building with arched windows and a tiled roof.

Map

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Own text, written with AI assistance from the facts in Wikipedia · Izurtza · Data: Wikidata Q682513 · Photos: Wikimedia Commons, see individual licenses. · CC BY-SA 4.0