Gaztelugatxeko natura monumentua
The Monumento natural de Gaztelugatxe is a cone-shaped rock formation rising about 150 meters above the Cantabrian Sea and connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. A small chapel at the top is reached by climbing a 241-step zigzag staircase, while the rocks themselves display impressive arches and cliffs shaped by millennia of erosion.
The sanctuary was consecrated as a small monastery in the Middle Ages and was destroyed multiple times by fires and wars before monks abandoned it in the 14th century. The site later served as a strategic defensive point against attackers, including raids by famous corsairs such as Sir Francis Drake.
The chapel at the summit is the center of religious traditions for fishermen who hang small boat models as offerings and perform rituals before sailing out to sea. The site is celebrated annually on June 24 with a major pilgrimage where thousands climb to leave flowers and make vows.
Visitors can reach the site by car and then climb up in about an hour, with the path mostly uphill and featuring stairs; it is not suitable for people with mobility problems. It is recommended to bring comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection, and on windy days or bad weather the visit should be postponed as the exposed location can be dangerous.
The site became internationally famous in 2017 when it appeared in the Game of Thrones series, where the chapel was depicted as the legendary Dragonstone castle. This connection to fiction drew thousands of fans who wanted to connect the real landscape with scenes from the show.
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