Itziar

Only 6 km from the urban center of Deba, at the foot of the karst massif of Andutz, is Itziar, an important center of devotion to Mary, where the sanctuary of the same name is located. The temple is presided over by the Romanesque image of the Virgin of Itziar (12th century), one of the most beautiful of Basque iconography, inspiring great devotion among these seafaring people.

Next to the Itziar sanctuary is the sculpture Amatasuna (Maternity) by Jorge Oteiza. Developed as a tribute to his wife Itziar, it represents the concept of motherhood in the broadest sense of the word. Contemplating it from different angles, it offers three different visions, three transcendental moments of motherhood. It is an existential gap that, just as a mother would, protects all visible surroundings, Amalur (Mother Earth).

Itziar is an ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding areas. From here, we can walk to the neighboring areas of Endoia, Mardari, Arbiskoa or Lastur, and climb to the summits of Andutz (613 m.), Otarre (663 m.), Agiro (739 m.), Sesiarte (758 m.) and Erlo (1030 m.), authentic panoramic viewpoints of spectacular Basque geography.