Fuerte de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

Fuerte de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe stands on Mount Jaizkibel with an eight-sided design and thick stone walls built into the hillside. The structure contains underground passages, broad defensive ditches, and artillery positions that follow the natural terrain.

The fortress was built around 1900 when Spain modernized its border defenses along the Pyrenees. It served as part of a larger defensive system intended to repel attacks from the French side.

The name honors Mexico's patron saint and reflects Spain's historical ties to the Americas. Visitors can see how the stone fortification embodied Spanish military aspirations along the northern frontier.

The climb to the fort is steep and requires sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness, particularly when wet. Guided tours are the best way to navigate the complex passages and structures, as on-site signage is minimal.

Access to the fortress is restricted and requires permission with a guide, keeping it relatively unknown and limiting visitor impact. This makes each visit feel like a genuine adventure rather than a typical tourist attraction.

Location: Hondarribia

Inception: 1900

Part of: Hondarribiko hiri historikoa, Camino del Norte

GPS coordinates: 43.37041,-1.81799

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06