How to see Butrón Castle, a curious romantic fortress near Bilbao

Mansions, manor houses, farmhouses, that is the type of architecture whose image you surely associate with the rural landscapes of Euskadi.

And, of course, the image of a castle, so common in other regions of Spain, will not come to your memory.

That's why you may be surprised to know that, indeed, there is a castle in the Basque Country.

Where is and how to see Butrón Castle

Specifically, I am referring to butron castle, whose existence I learned about on one of the last trips to that area of ​​Spain, and which you can see in the Uribe regionVery near Bilbao.

I tell you that the image of butron castle It may be shocking to you.

As you drive along the road through a wooded mid-mountain landscape, you will see the tower of a castle rise in a style similar to those you can find in some European countries.

It is not a typical medieval Spanish castle, but a fortification that shows a mixture of styles typical of castles, for example, in Germany.

And this is explained because, in reality, the butron castle It was built during the 19th century.

You will see it surrounded by a very lush and wooded garden, where large palm trees stand out, on the banks of the Butrón River.

Curiosities about the history of Butrón Castle

El origin of Butrón castle It dates back to medieval times, when in the 15th century there was a tower house that belonged to the lord of Butrón, who charged a toll for passing through its boundaries.

It was a time when these places were controlled by feudal lords and this type of defensive towers,

In this regard I will tell you that very close to the town of Erandio you find the Martiartu Tower, the only defensive tower that remains from the aforementioned 15th century without its architecture having been essentially modified.

This was not the case with the old tower house of Butrón, because when in the 19th century it became the property of the Marquis of Torrecilla, commissioned the architect Marquis of Cubas a great reform and expansion.

The result is the current romantic castle de eclectic architectural style, which mixes neo-Gothic and neo-Arabic, which was never inhabited.

When you get to butron castle via Mungia, you will surely be surprised by its spectacular façade, which you reach along a path surrounded by palm trees.

You will be sad to find the place half abandoned, which does not prevent it from being a very visited place since in its surroundings there is a very frequented picnic area.

The reality is that the castle was owned by a private company that until 20 used the building to hold events such as medieval dinners.

At that time you could visit the halls and rooms of this castle, whose architecture will remind you of Gothic or even Mudejar.

Today it remains private property and in recent years has been the setting for movies.

In sum, a highly recommended visit in the surroundings of Bilbao. and here you can download a audio guide with information about Butrón Castle.

Photos of Butrón Castle

In advance of your visit, here is more photos of Butrón castle, In the Uribe region.

Map: how to get to Butrón Castle

El butron castle It is located in the town of Gatica, about 24 kilometers north of Bilbao.