Zabiel Jauregia

Zabiel Jauregia is a Baroque palace in the old town of Mutriku, a small coastal town in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, Spain.

What is this building?

Also known as Palacio Granada, Zabiel Jauregia was built in the second half of the 16th century. Construction was commissioned in 1577 by Jakobe Ibaseta and carried out by local builders Domingo de Apezzo and Domingo de Oa. The house once held the status of "mayorazgo" — an entailed family estate — of the Counts of Granada de Ega, which explains its alternative name.

What does the facade look like?

The most striking feature is the row of columns running from entrance level up to the second floor, framing the main doorway. A central balcony bears a carved stone coat of arms of the Zabildar family, the source of the palace's name. Together these elements give the building the ornamented, status-driven look typical of Basque noble town houses of the period.

What is it used for today?

At one point the building served as a school. Following restoration, Zabiel Jauregia now functions as Mutriku's cultural centre, hosting local exhibitions, talks and community events. It is officially listed as a cultural property, recognising its historic value for the region.

How do you get there?

Zabiel Jauregia stands right in the heart of Mutriku's old town, a short walk from the fishing harbour and the narrow lanes of the historic centre. Mutriku sits on the Gipuzkoa coast between Deba and Ondarroa, roughly an hour's drive from San Sebastián and reachable from Bilbao by car as well. Deba and Ondarroa, the nearest larger towns, are only a short drive away.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The old town's stone streets wind down toward a small working harbour where fishing boats still moor. Nearby, the parish church and the waterfront promenade offer views over Gipuzkoa's cliff-lined coast. Thanks to its central location, the palace makes a natural starting point for exploring the rest of the town on foot.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn bring milder Atlantic weather and fewer visitors, making them ideal for unhurried sightseeing. Summer draws more people to Mutriku's beaches and the wider Basque coast, but it is also when the cultural centre inside the palace is most likely to host exhibitions and events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Zabiel Jauregia? The building operates as a cultural centre, so access depends on the current schedule of exhibitions and events run by the town.

Where does the name "Zabiel" come from? It refers to the Zabildar family, whose coat of arms appears on the central balcony of the facade.

Why is it also called Palacio Granada? Both names refer to the same building — Granada reflects its former status as the entailed estate of the Counts of Granada de Ega.

How long does it take to see the palace and surroundings? Viewing the palace from outside takes just a few minutes, but a walk through Mutriku's old town and harbour usually takes about an hour to ninety minutes.