Galartza Tower House

Since the 14th century, the Galartza Tower-House rises proudly on the sides of mount Murugain (778 m), outside the historic quarter of Aretxabaleta.

The lineage of the Galartza, one of the most powerful families in this vicinity, built this building, which has a square floor plan and a distinct defensive character, with the purpose of controlling the valley of Leniz.

Its thick walls gave shelter to the Galartza until they decided to move to the neighbouring town of Mondragon in the 19th century. On 2nd August 1990 a fire broke out, which destroyed the already very dilapidated building. The Aretxabaleta town council then took on the responsibility of restoring the historic building by boosting its reconstruction and renovation in 1997.

From an artistic viewpoint it preserves some interesting elements. It has masonry walls reinforced with ashlar in the corners, a main entrance in the shape of a pointed arch, small geminate windows, loopholes and pointed and ogival openings, typical of Gothic aesthetics adapted to civil architecture.