Gaztelugatxe
Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the coast of the Bay of Biscay belonging to the Biscayan municipality of Bermeo, in the Basque Autonomous Community. It is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge.
A hermitage named Gaztelugatxeko Doniene in Basque, dedicated to John the Baptist, is on top of Gaztelugatxe. Discoveries indicate a structure was on the island during the 9th century. The current structure was built in 1980 after the previous structure was destroyed in a fire. The hermitage belongs to the parish of San Pelaio in Bakio.
Etymology
The Basque word gaztelugatxe may have two complementary meanings, both using gaztelu as main subject, and differing between the suffix -atx , forming "the rock castle" on one way, or -gatx , translated as "inaccessible castle", in the other.Ecosystem
With another small neighboring island, Aketx, which is a sanctuary for marine birds, Gaztelugatxe forms a protected biotope that extends from the town of Bakio to Cape Matxitxako, on the Bay of Biscay.The rough sea continuously erodes the rocky coast creating tunnels, arches, and caves.
Access
The hermitage, 80 metres above sea level, is accessed by one of two narrow paths from the parking area, crossing the solid stone bridge, which is protected from wind, and walking up 241 steps. Arrivals can ring the bell three times and make a wish; however, the sound disturbs birds.The hermitage also houses votive offerings from sailors who survived shipwrecks.
Next to the hermitage, there is a small shelter with sea views that is used for picnicking and for refuge from the wind.
History
Discoveries indicate a structure was on the island during the 9th century, likely built by the Knights Templar.In 1334, the island was one of the places where the Lord of Biscay, Juan Núñez III de Lara, confronted Alfonso XI, King of Castile.
In 1593, it was attacked and sacked by Francis Drake.
In 1594, it was attacked by the Huguenots of La Rochelle, who threw the caretaker into the sea.
In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, the Battle of Cape Machichaco took place nearby.
A fire destroyed the church in 1978; it was rebuilt in 1980.