Uriarte Jauregia, Lekeitio

Uriarte Jauregia is a baroque palace standing right in the old quarter of Lekeitio, one of the most attractive coastal towns of the Biscay coast in the Basque Country.

The building grew around a medieval tower at its core, with successive wings added between the 16th and 18th centuries. Its present baroque appearance dates back to 1677, when Silverio de Beingolea, the owner of a local ironworks, commissioned architect Lucas Longa to rework the residence. In the 18th century the palace belonged to Pedro Bernardo Villarreal de Berriz, a scholar and engineer remembered for refining the hydraulic techniques used in the forges and mills of the era.

How do you get there?

The palace sits on Plaza de las Dominicas, right beside the Dominican convent, in the heart of Lekeitio's historic centre. It's only a short walk from the harbour and the town's main beach, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot — the old town is compact and made for wandering. If you're driving, leave the car in one of the parking areas at the edge of town, since the narrow lanes of the centre aren't built for traffic.

What will you see?

The main draw is the façade, reached by a broad stone staircase that leads up to a porch carried on a triple arch. Above the entrance, on the top floor, sits an imposing coat of arms — a clear signal of the wealth and standing of the family that once lived here. The floor plan is unusual: trapezoidal, shaped to fit the tight plot within the dense old town. The interior isn't open to the public on a regular basis, but the exterior and its architectural details reward a slow walk around the plaza and the surrounding streets.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and early autumn are the sweet spot — Lekeitio is warm enough to enjoy but without the crowds of high summer. In July and August the town is at its busiest, with visitors from across Spain drawn by the beaches and harbour, which is lively but makes it harder to take in the old town at a relaxed pace. Early morning, before the heat sets in and before the tour groups arrive, is the best window for a quiet look at the palace façade and photos without a crowd in the frame.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the Uriarte palace? The building isn't set up as a regular visitor attraction with public access to the interior — it's mainly appreciated from the outside, taking in the façade and architectural details.

How old is Uriarte Jauregia? Its core is a medieval tower, but the palace took on its current baroque form in 1677, commissioned by Silverio de Beingolea and designed by architect Lucas Longa.

Who lived in the palace? One of its best-known residents was Pedro Bernardo Villarreal de Berriz, an 18th-century scholar and engineer known for his work advancing hydraulic techniques in the region.

Where exactly is the palace located? It stands on Plaza de las Dominicas, next to the Dominican convent, in Lekeitio's historic centre, close to the harbour and the town's main sights.