Explore Tolosa through its weekly market, architectural history and routes on Uzturre. The Mercado de Tolosa takes place every Saturday at three open-air locations, transforming the town centre into a large fair. Its history dates back to the 13th century; since 1785, the Tinglado has been its venue. A visit offers insight into the market’s historical significance, its influence on the town’s development and the origins of typical products from Tolosaldea, including alubia beans and piparra peppers.
Market Traditions and the History of Chocolate
The Museo del Chocolate Rafa Gorrotxategi also connects a product with its history, focusing on the history of chocolate and its centuries-long relationship with the Basque Country. The guided museum visit is followed by a chocolate-making workshop. Advance booking is required for the museum; check the current booking arrangements before your visit.
Architecture and the History of the Town
The Iglesia de Santa María is a 17th-century Gothic church in the Basque Country. Its three tall naves, rib vaults and Baroque façade give its architecture distinctive, easily recognisable features. At the Palacio de Arámburu, the history of printing is another highlight alongside the architecture: the palace is a notable example of Basque Baroque. Its basement housed the printing presses established at the initiative of Miguel Aramburu, where the Fueros de Gipuzkoa were first published in 1696.
The Iglesia San Francisco was built between 1587 and 1674 outside the town walls, right beside the Camino Real de Castilla. Its single-nave layout and barrel vault differ in form from the three naves and rib vaults of the Iglesia de Santa María. The furnishings at San Francisco include a Renaissance altarpiece by Anbrosio Bengoetxea. The Convento de Santa Clara complements this picture as a large convent building with a cloistered section dating from 1666.
Art in the townscape and literary history are also represented. Atauts, a sculpture created by Jorge Oteiza in 1994, stands in Plaza del Triángulo. Lizardiren Leihoa by Eduardo Chillida has been part of Tolosa’s townscape since 1983 and is a tribute to the poet Xabier Lizardi.
Festivals, Performing Arts for Children and Pelota
The Fiestas de San Juan are Tolosa’s most important celebrations and take place on 24 June. They preserve the Bordon-dantza and the tradition of jumping over the fire. The Carnavales de Tolosa are town carnival celebrations that attract people from towns across Euskal Herria. TITIRIJAI has its own historical connection to the performing arts: the initiative for performing arts for children was established in 1983.
Professional pelota matches in the hand-pelota and Cesta Punta disciplines take place at the Frontón Beotibar. Alongside the festival traditions, these sports are part of the town’s cultural offering. If you are travelling for a particular festival, check the dates for your travel year.
The Uzturre Route and Getting Around
The Santa Lutzia–Uzturre route is an alternative way to climb Uzturre from Santa Lutzia. It includes viewpoints over the Uzturre mountain range and the geological origins of Tolosa, and also passes the remains of Miserikordia Zaharra. The route thus combines scenic views and historical remains. Cycling offers another way to explore Tolosa outdoors: the reception desk of the Centro BTT Euskadi at the Polideportivo Usabal in Tolosa offers cycling routes for all ability levels. Check the latest information before setting out.
Tolosa has two RENFE commuter rail stations. If you are planning to travel by train, check the latest services before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Lezo, Beasain, Getaria, Zaldivia, Segura, Beizama, Elduain, Urretxu.
For the main travel overview: Gipuzkoa.
