Beasain town hall

Beasain town hall anchors the main square of Beasain, a town in the Goierri district of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country, at Plaza San Martín de Loinaz.

What makes this town hall worth a stop?

Beasain acts as the administrative hub of the wider Goierri district, and this building has been the seat of that local government since the 1920s. The town itself grew around a strong metalworking tradition, and the town hall reflects that period of expansion - it was built precisely because the previous municipal building could no longer keep pace with a growing, increasingly industrial town. Standing on the main square, it gives visitors a quick read on how the local administration presented itself a century ago.

Why was a new town hall built here?

The story starts in 1923, when mayor Jacinto Urteaga argued that the existing casa consistorial had become too small and outdated for the town's needs. His push led the council to commission a new building, and the design was handed to Guillermo Eizaguirre, the municipal architect at the time. Construction moved quickly - the new town hall was blessed and formally inaugurated on 26 October 1924. A century later, in October 2024, Beasain marked that milestone with celebrations for the building's centenary.

Who uses the building today?

The town hall has kept its original function without interruption since 1924: it houses the town council and the mayor's office. For the 2023-2027 term, Beasain is led by mayor Leire Artola Ugalde of the EAJ-PNV party. That continuity matters for visitors - this is a working government building rather than a heritage site set up for tours, so access inside is tied to municipal business rather than sightseeing hours.

How do you get to the town hall?

The address is Plaza San Martín de Loinaz 1, 20200 Beasain. Because Beasain is the main town of the Goierri district, orientation is straightforward: the historic centre is compact, and the square with the town hall sits right at its heart, an easy walk from anywhere else in town.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Beasain town hall built? It was built in 1923-1924, with the blessing and official opening held on 26 October 1924. The building's centenary was celebrated in October 2024.

Who designed the building? Guillermo Eizaguirre, the town's municipal architect, drew up the design after mayor Jacinto Urteaga pushed for a new town hall in 1923.

Can visitors go inside? It is an active administration building, not a museum, so the usual visit is from the outside, taking in the building from Plaza San Martín de Loinaz. Going inside is meaningful mainly for official municipal matters, during office hours.

Who currently governs Beasain? Leire Artola Ugalde, of the EAJ-PNV party, has served as mayor for the 2023-2027 term.

What is Beasain known for beyond the town hall? Beasain is the administrative centre of the Goierri district and has long been associated with metalworking industry, which gives the town hall extra context as a symbol of local government in a town that grew alongside its industrial base.