The Zubimusu Bridge crosses the Oria River and connected Villabona with Zizurkil, Anoeta and Asteasu. As an important part of the historic transport infrastructure, it brings the town’s links with its surroundings to life. In Villabona, buildings, cultural institutions and paths add different perspectives on Basque culture to this story.
Amasa: rural character and architectural history
Amasa is a district of Villabona on a hill, with a strongly rural character. Among its notable buildings is Andretegi, a large farmhouse with Gothic-style elements. The Church of San Martín de Tours also combines several easily recognisable architectural features: built between the 16th and 18th centuries, it has an octagonal tower and an octagonal apse. Two windows with Gothic tracery add to the apse. Tracery is ornamental stonework that divides a window; here, you can appreciate both the forms and the building’s history.
Another landmark is the Santa Cruz Chapel, the area’s first parish church, which offers views across the valley. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was built over the former Chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Piedad. Amasa thus brings together an earlier parish centre overlooking the valley and a church whose history is linked to an older place of worship. Amasa-Villabona is also historically linked to the Royal Road, and the Inland Route of the Camino de Santiago passes through the town.
Cultural traces in Villabona
Subijana Etxea was transformed into a centre for Basque culture in Villabona. The renovation aimed to bring the services of the Asociación de Amigos del Bersolarismo together in one place and offer a service related to Bertsolaritza to interested individuals and organisations. The Aljibe de Villabona has a different history of cultural use: after its restoration, it was inaugurated as an exhibition hall in July 2010.
Industrial history can also be seen in a number of buildings. The Subijana y Compañía complex includes the entrepreneur’s residence, office space and hydraulic infrastructure. The 19th-century Subijana house housed textile workshops. Etxe Ondo, in turn, was the residence of contemporary Basque artist Vicente Ameztoy. These places represent different cultural and historical connections without needing to be grouped together as a single building complex.
Walking trail and getting there
The PR-Gi 118 “Paseo de los canales” walking trail starts behind Villabona’s parish church. It is 15.5 kilometres long, with a maximum elevation difference of 310 metres. The route can be walked at any time of year; check local information before setting out. You can reach the starting point by RENFE commuter train via Villabona-Zizurkil station, by intercity bus on the San Sebastián–Tolosa route, or by private vehicle. If you travel by train or bus, it is advisable to check the timetable before departure.
Txakoli, Rebote and cycling skills
HIKA combines a modern Txakoli winery surrounded by vineyards in a rural setting with a restaurant serving cuisine based on local produce. HIKA Winery offers a vineyard visit with a Txakoli tasting and Basque cuisine. If you would like to include this experience in your plans, check dates and availability in advance.
Villabona’s sporting highlights include Rebote championships. Rebote is a form of Basque pelota played on an open court, and it is still played in Villabona. Otsabi Park also has a pump track for cycling skills and jumps. Alongside architectural and cultural history, these offer different themes to consider when planning a trip: a continuing sporting tradition and a facility for cycling skills.
Discover more destinations: Oiartzun, Mendaro, Aia, Lezo, Segura, Leintz-Gatzaga, Zumarraga, Hernani
Return to the main travel guide: Gipuzkoa.
