Spain
backIts name comes from Basque and means literally “the Tolosa area”. This area is around Tolosa, that is the most important municipality and works as the capital of the area.
Tolosaldea is an area of the province Gipuzkoa. It is located in the eastern part of province with Navarra to the East and San Sebastián on the North, Goierri to the South and Urola-Costa to the West. It is the least populated area of Gipuzkoa with around 45.000 inhabitants and 332 Km2 of territory, but it has the most towns, around 29.
Geographically, it is surround by the Aralar mountain range with peaks up to 1400 m., on the South Tolosaldea; Mount Ernio at 1000 m. on the West; while on the East is Leizaran biosphere.
The main economic activity is industrial, which has a long and strong tradition of know-how in the region, the most important sectors being:
- Paper manufacture
- Manufacture of plant machinery for paper production and treatment
- Boiler-making and metal constructions
- Treatment of paper
In contrast, the region has more than twenty municipalities of less than a thousand habitants, in which the main economic activity is the primary sector and which also offer wide-ranging alternatives for leisure activities, culture and gastronomy and in a very natural environment which has been conserved over the years.
The region offers countless options. The visitor can enjoy the peace and quiet of country houses that provide quality services, and marvel at the beautiful landscapes of Tolosaldea.
Rural Tolosaldea
In Tolosaldea you will be able to enjoy a natural environment and find accommodation among a wide range of country houses located in or around the towns. The baserri (farm): The baserri farm house is the typical Basque house, representative of our agricultural tradition. Sometimes several generations of the same family share it that is traditional in the Basque Country.
The baserri usually has two floors: a ground floor and an upper one where there are the bedrooms and a central room for family gatherings.
Solidly built of stone, the “baserris” of Tolosaldea are an integral part of towns, culture and our rural heritage.
Many towns and places of Tolosaldea are oozing with history. Tolosa, the administrative centre of the region, has always been very important in the history of Gipuzkoa (it was the capital of the province in the middle of the 19th century). The old town is full of civil and religious buildings, as well as monuments of artistic and historic interest that exemplify the Basque Gothic and Baroque styles. The town centre is divided into two distinct areas: the old city and the enlargement. The old city was a walled area built on an island. The island was formed by the river Oria and a branch of that same river, currently Pablo Gorosabel street. The city had five gates. One of them, the Castille Gate, has remained in its place since the Middle Ages, at the Triangle Square. The old city has kept its original layout, made up of six parallel longitudinal streets. The manor houses and monumental buildings along these streets give the old quarter of Tolosa a very noble look.
Picture 4 ES (borte)
Tolosa has launched an initiative to turn its streets and squares into an open-air exhibition on Basque contemporary art that both residents and visitors can enjoy. For instance, in the ceiling of the arched area of Euskal Herria Square we can admire the pictorial work created in 1998 by Koldobika Jáuregui, Iñaki Epelde, José María Hernández and José Luis Longarón. This project has been conceived with the idea that more artists could re-use the painted platforms later on, so as to contribute new experiences and continue the artistic proposal.
Tolosaldea is also a region overflowing with cultural activity and tradition. Every Saturday, farmers and cattle breeders (baserritarrak) from all around the region organise a market in Tolosa (in the popular Tinglado and the main squares) to show their best products. In addition, the Tolosa Extraordinary Fairs (which coincide with special events or celebrations) have become one of the key agricultural and gastronomic events in Gipuzkoa. This outstanding offer is completed by the diverse and dynamic shops of Tolosa.
Tolosa’s cultural offer is broad and varied. Among the many activities we can point out the famous Shrovetide fiestas, the international choral competition, the international puppet festival and the fiestas of San Juan, the patron saint, which are celebrated on June 24th on many towns across the region (bonfires, shotgun salutes and bordantzaris).
Tolosa also boasts a strong musical tradition. Its music school draws students from all around the region. Santa María’s temple has a choir and a string orchestra. Apart from that, we can mention the Music Band and Txistu Band, several Dulzaina Bands, the Larrañaga Accordion Orchestra, the Hodeiertz Choir and the Tolosa Choral Society. The Choral Society has received many awards and it always performs during the fiestas of San Juan. At the end of October, the Tourist Initiative Centre organises the International Tolosa Choral Competition, which attracts choral societies and choirs from all around the world.
Tolosaldea offers a net of well-signposted routes for everyone enjoying the nature and walking around it and admiring scenery and fauna. Each municipality has an information board about routes and corresponding brochures.
- Family Excursions
(SL)
They are short walks suitable for families or groups of friends. - Short routes
These are the itineraries to be made within a day and not exceeding 50 kms. Mainly focused on the knowledge of specific surroundings. - Long routes
These are to be made along long journeys, lasting from one to several days or 50 kms.
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