Train Route 9: Nervión BUS Velvet beech forests and magical caves (c/ Bailén) can be found among mountains, among rivers, beneath the Gorbeia mountain range, in the protected biotope of Itzina. This town is surrounded by a maze of caves, potholes, nooks and crannies, underground rivers, velvety beech forests, in a bountiful wilderness predisposed to the creation of myths A3613 - Bizkaibus and legends which have survived thanks to oral traditions. A landscape full of magic, replete with mysteries, secrets and natural treasures.

The Bizkaibus A3613 bus, the Bil- Orozko bao-Ugao-Miraballes-Orozko line which leaves from Bailén street Gorbeia in Bilbao every hour, takes you to Orozko. This is a district dominated by landscapes of stunning beauty, ar- chaeological and natural wealth, with Gorbeia Natural Park and mountains as the essential part of the natural heritage. In the centre of the park, the largest in Euskadi, lies the protect- Orozko The most characteristic buildings of 42 ed biotope of Itzina, which belongs 43 civil architecture are Aranguren Tow- to this Bizkaia town and which you er, Torlanda Tower, Anunzibai bridge get to through the Atxular Eye. The Park also contains numerous and the palaces of Ugarte, Torre and In Itzina nature and mythology go constructions created by man, such Aldama. Wander around the ruins of hand in hand. Beech forests covered as the iron cross erected on the high- Untzueta medieval castle, destroyed with a green velvet coat and thin est point of Mount Gorbeia, kirikiños in the 15th century and home, as leg- mists convert this landscape into a (chestnut stores), ice houses (cracks end goes, to the Gentiles, mythological magical setting, replete with myster- in the stone for storing snow all year beings gifted with enormous strength. ies and secrets. Natural degradation round) and txabolas (small huts where The Ethnographic Museum, in Legor- has created a landscape full of pot- shepherd spend the night). It also has buru Palace House, aims to promote holes, underground rivers and mazes one of the richest archaeological her- knowledge about the different aspects of caves, encouraging the appearance itages of the district; there are eleven of the valley of Orozko: the Historic of myths and legends which remain prehistoric sites in caves in Orozko Heritage, traditional life and the set- alive thanks to oral tradition. Char- alone. tlers in the highlands of Gorbeia. acters such as Mari, the Basajaunak, the Lamiak and the weave Several routes of varying lengths and Orozko's economic activity has always countless tales which have marked difficulties leave from this town for focussed on agriculture, livestock and the life of the valley. Gorbeia Natural Park, including those forestry. At the Tourist Office you can of Usabel and Belaustegi. Orozko al- find out more about how to visit any so has an important archaeological Gorbeia Cross of the producers and discover ancient heritage. Religious buildings include methods of working bread, wood or the parish churches of San Bartolomé cheese. Chorizo is another of the star de Olarte, San Pedro de Murueta and products of the zone. San Lorenzo de Urigoiti, and a huge number of chapels and shrines all The Bizkaibus A3613 line takes you over the region. back to Bilbao. Gorbeia Beech forest