rural life, ironworks, salt production

The regional economy remained vigorous until the late 16th century,.

The Igartubeiti Farm in Ezkio-Itsaso, an elegant example of wooden architecture in the 16th and 17th centuries, offers us a unique opportunity to understand the lifestyle and atmosphere of this period. In Bergara, one of the main complements of large-scale Renaissance farms is conserved, the Agarre Barn, from the 16th century, which was used as storage for meat, fruit and grain.

The blacksmiths of the area were also kept busy during this period, as can be seen in the Mirandaola Ironworks in Legazpi- it is like taking a trip back in time. As well, in Legazpi, a visit must be made to the Igaralde Mill, which is another important contraption of this period, related to the crafts of making cheese and bread, the basic diet of the blacksmiths. An approach to this art can be made at the Ekomuseo Shepherd Museum and the Rincón del Pan Bread Museum.

Regarding salt production, an essential product in the Middle Ages, in 1533 a guild was founded for this purpose in Leintz Gatzaga, under the auspices of Santa Columba and in 1542, bylaws were set forth governing salt production and distribution. Salt or "white gold" production is described in detail at the Salt Museum near the Sanctuary of Dorleta

What happened on may 3rd, 1580 in Legazpi is considered by some people to be a divine message and by others, a miracle:

"On Sunday, after midday mass, the blacksmiths at Mirandaola resumed their work. The blacksmiths continued working until dawn of the following day, consuming fourteen loads of coal. With this, they prepared enough material to extract over 600 pounds of iron, but all they could produce was a piece of iron in the form of a cross. The cross only weighed 12 or fourteen pounds". In 1633, the Bishop of Pamplona declared the occurrence as a miracle".