City Walls and Architecture
The Muralla de Orduña is the most significant public defensive structure in Bizkaia. Two thirds of it still remain today; the most visible section is in the area around the parish church of Santa María.
The historic centre has been designated a historic-monumental complex since 1997. Among the artworks highlighted there is the late Gothic altarpiece of San Pedro. The Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia, now called the Iglesia de San Juan, displays a different style: this ornately decorated church dates from the 17th century and has eight Baroque altars. The fortified church of Orduña also has a defensive walkway.
The year 1997 refers to the designation of the historic centre; it should be distinguished from the construction date of the Iglesia de San Juan in the 17th century. The architectural features also have different emphases: the Muralla and defensive walkway represent fortification, while the altarpiece and altars represent sacred art. This comparison helps avoid reducing the town’s history to a single period or architectural style.
Hiking Trails and the Sierra Sálvada
The GR 284, Camino Real de la Sopeña, starts in Orduña and passes through forests, meadows and rural settlements. The local trail network offers hikes at varying levels of difficulty. Another named route, the Senda Verde del Cañón de Délica, runs along the lower course of the Nervión. When choosing a route, you can consider the three details separately: varying levels of difficulty are the main feature of local trails, the landscapes traversed are a feature of the GR 284, and the Senda Verde is located along the lower Nervión.
Near Orduña, the Sierra Sálvada is designated as a Special Protection Area for birds. Various cliff-dwelling birds nest there, and the area is also part of the Birding Euskadi network for birdwatching. The protected-area designation and the Birding Euskadi network offer different points of reference: protected status on the one hand, and birdwatching on the other. By car, you can get within a 15-minute walk of a viewpoint in the Sierra Sálvada area.
Txakoli, Local Cuisine and Thermal Baths
Perretxiko, the mushroom Calocybe gambosa, is the basis of Orduña’s most typical local dish, revuelto de perretxiko. The Gure Ahaleginak winery offers a tour of its vineyards and Txakoli production, followed by a tasting that ends with a pintxo. Booking arrangements and tour formats may change, so check the winery’s latest information in advance.
Today’s thermal baths are located in the former Aduana, a historic customs building. They feature 800 square metres of mineral-medicinal waters from the Muera-Arbieto spring. Their location in the former Aduana links their present-day wellness use to a specific historic building. Facilities and access may change, so check the latest information about the thermal baths before visiting.
Travelling by Train
Renfe’s C3 commuter rail line connects Orduña with Bilbao-Abando station. If you are planning to travel by train, check the line’s timetable before setting off. This helps you factor the connection into your travel plans without assuming a specific journey time.
Discover more destinations: Abadiño, Orozko, Zamudio, Amorebieta-Etxano, Urduliz, Derio, Lezama, Valle De Carranza
Return to the main travel overview: Bizkaia.
