page_title: Gaztelugatxe
section_title: Description
hierarchical_section_title: Gaztelugatxe / Description
caption_attribution_description: Français&#160;: Gaztelugatxe vue du ciel avec ces escaliers
context_page_description: Gaztelugatxe is an islet on the coast of Biscay belonging to the municipality of Bermeo, Basque Country. It is connected to the mainland by a man-made bridge. On top of the island stands a hermitage, dedicated to John the Baptist, that dates from the 10th century, although discoveries indicate that the date might be the 9th century. With another small neighboring island, Aketx, they form a protected biotope that extends from the town of Bakio until Cape Matxitxako, on the Bay of Biscay.
context_section_description: The Basque coast is rough in this area. The sea ceaselessly erodes the rocky coast creating tunnels, arches and caves. The island of Gaztelugatxe is in the center of this section of coast next to the small Aketx island, a sanctuary for marine birds.
  Next to the hermitage there is a small shelter with sea views that is used for picnicking and for refuge from the wind.
  The hermitage is accessed by a narrow path, crossing the solid stone bridge, and going up 231 steps (other sources cite the number as 229 or 237). According to legend, after the slightly strenuous climb to the top of the crag one should ring the bell three times and make a wish.
caption: Stairway and path up the crag with drone
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