Ullibarri-Gamboa
Ullíbarri-Gamboa () or Uribarri Ganboa () is a village in the municipality of Arrazua-Ubarrundia, province of Álava in the Basque Country of (Spain). Ullíbarri-Gamboa means "villa" or "new town" of Gamboa in Basque. Gamboa is the name of the vicariate who oversaw the population, as well as the neighboring community. Because Ullíbarri was not part of the village, it was however integrated into Arrazua-Ubarrundia. The Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir as well as its landscape, is a popular place of interest in the village, growing in recreational use and contributing to ecological tourism in this historical territory of  Álava. Considered the main reservoir supplying drinking water for the residents of Álava and Vizcaya, the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir also gives life to an environment that takes advantage of the changes that humans introduced into the landscape, conforming to its expansive aquatic environment's high value. The spectacular landscape accommodates two beautiful beaches: Landa and Garaio, as well as a summer camp offering excellent facilities and services on Zuaza Island. The beaches boast numerous swimming and recreational areas with tables, grills, and playgrounds. A perfect setting to enjoy nature and spend the day with family. For sports enthusiasts, hiking or  biking Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir, along the edge of the dam, boasts a scenic beauty that attracts visitors and has also motivated the construction of vacation homes in the village. Besides, hiking and biking the Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir, the temperate climate offers ideal conditions for water sports and activities such as sailing, swimming, rowing, canoeing, and windsurfing. The village also boasts two yacht clubs (Pier Vitoria, 15 minutes from Vitoria) and jetties. The village of Ullíbarri-Gamboa is most frequented in summer as its wind force at 4:00 pm in the afternoon cools the environment and is ideal for windsurfing. Birdwatching  and interpretation of nature, or the contemplation of the landscape are also particularly suitable activities in the provincial parks of Garaio, Landa, and Mendixur Ornithological Park in the Ramsar area of the tailings dam and its road which runs along its bank. Location. Latitude 42.937° or 42° 56' 13.3" north, Longitude -2.6084° or 2° 36' 30.1" west, 1801 feet elevation. Wedged between the Álava plain and the mountains of the watershed, north of the historic territory, a transition zone between the oceanic and continental interior of the Iberian peninsula. Construction Dates. The construction of the dam  between 1947 and 1950 completely changed the life and appearance of the people. The center of the town (the church) and many of the houses narrowly escaped reservoir flooding. Because the majority of farmlands were flooded, residents had to reorient their farming activities and many were forced to migrate to the city of Vitoria. The reservoir dam (gravity) is located between the villages of Ullíbarri and Arroyabe. The Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir dam supplies drinking water to Vitoria-Gasteiz and the surrounding cities and villages of Bilbao. Characteristics. The natural environment combines oak trees with areas of dense banks, large bodies  of water like lakes and marsh ecosystems, and urban areas like playgrounds, making human use compatible with the conservation of natural resources. This village of 60 to 70 inhabitants (2001) is known mainly for giving its name to the Ullíbarri-Gamboa (or Zadorra) dam nearby. Ullíbarri marsh is the largest marsh in the Basque Country (220 Hm 3) and plays a triple role, supplying water to Álava and Vizcaya, regulating river flow. Reservoir Trail. A 45-mile pedestrian and mountain bike trail, Ullíbarri-Gamboa is divided into two circuits of 13 and 33 kilometers respectively which allows hikers to experience  the rich natural landscape and Ullíbarri-Gamboa reservoir. Recreational parks, beaches, floating walkways, oak forests and wetlands of high ecological interest are just some of the attractions that this trail route offers. Illustrious People. Bartolomé de Letona, a 17th-century Franciscan friar who held important positions in Mexico and the Philippines. He bequeathed several writings on religious themes and on the Philippine Islands. Tomás Ruiz de Azua (1659-1731), a military man who developed his career in Chile, where he became ordinary mayor of Santiago de Chile, governor of Valparaíso and general field teacher of Chile. Francisco Ruiz de Azua , Benedictine Monk and 19th-century missionary who became bishop of Tonkin in 1919 China. Associated Documents