The lands that form part of the municipality of Meñaka extend over the foothills of Mount Sollube, forming two river valleys that flow into the Butrón river basin. These rich and fertile locations were occupied by prehistoric man. The numerous archaeological remains to be found in this area bear witness to this historic past.
The first organ of government of this area was the Parish, a meeting held on the occasion of Sunday mass to discuss matters of interest to all neighbours. On a smaller scale, a number of hamlets or brotherhoods emerged, a basic element of association made up of a group of farmhouses. The weight and importance of these hamlets in the life of Meñaka, with their own organisational and socio-economic traditions have survived virtually without change to our days.
This is therefore a clearly rural world in which agricultural activities, closely linked to livestock breeding and forestry, had a determining influence until just a few decades ago on the economic and social life of local farmers. The iron works (which remained in operation until the first Carlist War) and watermills were the only “industrial” activity in Meñaka. Of the five watermills existing in Meñaka, four have been kept in working order: Mendietakoerrota, Beletaerrota, Errotabarri and Jauregikoerrota (Sikune).
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This small municipality also boasts a very interesting architectural heritage, including a large number of beautiful farmhouses and the magnificent Palace of Otuna, which is considered to be one of the finest country palaces in the province. Meñaka also has a parish church and three chapels, of special interest due to their age and artistic value. The group of pre-Christian funeral steles found in the chapels in Meñaka, including the famous “Dama de Mesterika”, is one of the most interesting in Bizkaia. |
Towns
