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Avant-garde gastronomy and stays in front of the Bay of Biscay
Exploring Basque mythology: the Akelarre caves.
In the domains of the Basque Country and its surroundings, countless tales of mythological characters are interwoven, evoking an aura of mystery and fascination. These include figures such as Mari, revered as the divinity who watches over shepherds, supreme representative of earth, air, water and fire; the enchanting Lamiak, young women with blonde hair who dance on the banks of rivers and springs; or the mischievous Galtxagorriak, tiny goblins dressed in their characteristic red shorts. However, it is the stories of witchcraft that have survived the longest to the present day.
It is in the dark bowels of the caves of Zugarramurdi, a small village an hour from San Sebastian, where the legends take on an even more enigmatic hue. It is in this corner that one of the most important stories of the region’s witches is forged. In 1608, María de Ximildegui returned from San Juan de Luz with a confession that shook the community: she had taken part in demonic encounters in France and, taking advantage of the moment, she pointed out the inhabitants of Zugarramurdi as accomplices in these practices.
The narrative of the time depicted scenes of Akelarres – gatherings where women and some men danced with the devil, who manifested himself in the form of a billy goat, and practised witchcraft in the meadows near the caves. Faced with this situation, the Inquisition made an appearance in January 1609, concluding in its investigations that witches were a palpable reality, and that their eradication was imperative. The method? The stake awaited those who did not confess their guilt.
As a result, nearly three hundred people were accused, forty imprisoned in Logroño and, finally, eleven individuals perished at the stake, condemned for the crime of witchcraft in the fateful year of 1610.
Today this place full of mystery and fascination can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday, in a unique and special visit that will complete your Akelarre experience. Ask our concierge team for information and discover the true magic of the north.