Gastelugache ( Basque. Gaztelugatxe ) - an island on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, belonging to the municipality of Bermeo, Basque Country (Spain).
The island is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge that goes into a winding staircase with 241 steps. The only building on the island is the small chapel Doniene Gaztelugatxeko (San Juan de Gastelugache), erected in honor of John the Baptist . Archaeological finds and burials in these places indicate that the chapel was erected in the 10th century. Today the chapel is almost always closed; there is no regular worship here.
The best time to visit is spring and autumn.
Content
- 1 Etymology
- 2 History
- 3 Photo Gallery
- 4 Sources
- 5 Links
Etymology
The word Gastelugache comes from the Basque "gaztelu", which means "castle" and aitz - "rock", forming a "rock castle". The name of the island was due to the natural stone arches from afar resembling man-made columns.
History
A small temple was built in the 10th century. According to scientists, the builders of the chapel were the Templars . During archaeological excavations on the territory of the island, medieval burials dating from the 9th and 12th centuries were found.
In addition to religious significance, the island of Gastelugache is an important strategic object. Here in 1334 there were clashes between the ruler of Biscay, Juan Nunez de Lara, and King Castilla Alfonso XI .
In 1593, the island was attacked and sacked by Francis Drake .
In the 18th century, Gastelugache was attacked by British troops during the Spanish Civil War. Near the island, a naval battle took place at Cape Machichako (Matxitxako).
On November 10, 1978, a fire broke out on the island and the chapel almost completely burned out. Two years later, on June 24, 1980, the chapel was inaugurated again.
Photo Gallery
Gastelugache
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Gastelugache, with the flag of the Basque Country
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Gastelugache
Sources
Links
- Gastelugache , Bermeo City Council website.