According to the records, although the earliest human settlements date back to the Mesolithic period in the Kobaua cave, there is no further information on the subject until the Roman period, and it was in 1355 that the Infante Don Tello founded the town of Markina.

In the Middle Ages, the need to protect the new town led to the construction of a fence or wall.

Several palaces and tower houses are scattered throughout the town, including the Bidarte Tower House or Murga Palace, the Antxia or Ibarra Tower, the Ansotegi or Munibetxea Tower, the Solartekua or Mugartegi Palace (the building which currently houses the Town Hall), the Andonaegi Palace, the Patrokua Palace or the House of Gaytan de Ayala, the Barroeta Tower, the Ugarte Tower, and so on.

There are several churches and chapels, of which Arretxinaga is particularly noteworthy; the three large stones found inside enhance the sight and the legends surrounding the place. It is said that anyone who passes under the three stones three times will marry within a year.

In Markina, pelota has been of great importance; the town is known worldwide as the ‘University of Pelota’, as the best ‘cesta punta’ players often come from this area. The first pelota court was built in the 18th century.

A peaceful spot:

An aquatic park has been set up around the sports centre and, during the summer, it provides a lovely place to cool off and enjoy yourself.

Markina-Xemeingo Turismo Web-a