Durangaldea

Durangaldea is a region in southeastern Biscay formed by a broad valley with twelve towns and villages spread across rolling terrain. The Ibaizabal River runs through the area, with mountains rising on either side and Durango serving as the main hub where most services and commerce concentrate.

In medieval times, the territory existed as a separate Navarrese domain before falling under Castilian control around 1200. This integration linked the region to broader political forces and shaped its development in the centuries that followed.

The name comes from "duranga" (water) and "aldea" (village), reflecting the central role of the Ibaizabal River in how settlements developed here. People today experience this connection through the valley landscape and maintain their regional identity through local governance structures.

The area connects to major Basque cities through the BI-623 road, while EuskoTren trains serve several communities in the region. From Durango, visitors can easily travel to neighboring towns to explore different parts of the valley and surrounding hills.

The region was historically a major mining center extracting iron, lead, and copper from mineral-rich mountains, and this activity shaped settlement patterns. Stone quarries for limestone and marble continue operating today, preserving this tradition of extracting natural resources from the landscape.

Location: Biscay

Capital city: Durango

GPS coordinates: 43.15940,-2.62111

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41