Casco Histórico de Zarautz, Zarautz

The origins of Zarautz go back to the 13th century, when it obtained the "Carta Puebla" for the creation of the town. Archaeological investigations undertaken in the area, however, have found remains from Mesolithic and Roman times and from the centuries immediately preceding the town's foundation. It was a small urban settlement that grew over the centuries to become an important town. Some buildings of great historic interest have, though, been preserved, such as the Luzea tower, the parish church and its belfry, the Narros palace, and so on. Other less important buildings are those situated in Trinidad Street, Plaza de la Música and a house known as Zarauz-Ganboa (4 Zara Street) in which a lintel survives with a gothic inscription and an illustration of a whale hunt. Zarauz is also known for its hotels and its surfing beach.