Markina-Xemein

Markina-Xemein is a town in the Lea-Artibai region of Bizkaia, founded in the mid-fourteenth century through the merger of the settlements of Markina and the parish of Xemein. Its urban core retains the original medieval street plan, laid out along three longitudinal streets and a cross street, and contains a heritage ensemble of considerable interest.

Within the historic centre, notable buildings include the convent and church of El Carmen, the palaces of Sortalekua —now the town hall—, Andonegi and Ansotegi, the Antxia tower and the former town hall. In the surrounding area, the Patrokua palace, the parish church of Santa María de la Asunción de Xemein —declared a National Monument of Euskadi— and the hermitage of San Miguel de Arretxinaga, an unusual hexagonal chapel whose altar is formed by three large boulders, complete a heritage itinerary of great interest.

As the gateway to the Camino de Santiago in Bizkaia, the town welcomes many pilgrims travelling this stretch of the route. Alongside this role as a historic crossing point, Markina-Xemein has a deep-rooted connection to Basque pelota: since the eighteenth century, its court has been known as the University of Pelota, a reference centre for the training of leading cesta punta players and a gathering point for enthusiasts and competitors from around the world.