Balmaseda

Founded in 1199 by Lope Sánchez de Mena, Balmaseda holds the distinction of being the first town to receive a municipal charter in what is now Biscay, making it one of the oldest urban settlements in the Basque Country. The town sits on the banks of the River Cadagua in mountain terrain near the border with Burgos, and retains a medieval core with a historic bridge, churches, and tower houses. Its Living Passion performance during Holy Week is a long-running local tradition.

• Population7,684
• Nearest water from center0.5 km
• Nearest mountain from center8.6 km
• UNESCO within 50 km6