Route about the bertsolari Fernando Amezketarra
Gettingtoknowthebertsolarism
Fernando,Amezketa’smostdistinguishedfigure
Fernando de Bengoechea (1764–1823), known as Pernando Amezketarra, was a shepherd from Amezketa very famous for his ability to create bertsos with wit, humour and cheekiness.

Amezketa and the bertsos
A 3km long route through Amezketa that takes us 200 years back in time to understand rural life back then and the culture on spontaneous bertsos.
Fernando'ssquare
Since 1924 Amezketa’s square has been dedicated to him. The buildings surrounding it, described in his bertsos, have barely changed. The town hall, bult in 1740 is still the centre of the square, as well as the pelota fronton court.
Kotxeta
Here is where horse-drawn carriages and stagecoaches would leave from and arrive at on Fernando’s time. That’s the reason why it’s named Kotxeta.
HouseswhereFernandolived
Thanks to different documents we know that Fernando lived in Intxausti house after marrying Maria Josefa Sagastume in 1790. He died in Azentzine Haundi in 1823.
Amezketa's mines
Fernando also worked at Buruntzuntzin mines. A unique landscape worth visiting.
Mendiko
In this house –known as Mendiko– the famous bertsolari Juan Ignacio Zabala was born in 1774, whi would often sing with Fernando Amezketarra. In 1801 in Villabona he gathered, for his battle with Txabalategi, over 4,000 people.
EspillaSaletxe
It’s written in different books that Fernando was born in Expilla Saletxe house, but there isn’t any document proving it. It is thought that he could’ve spent 15 years of his youth in Galartza Garaikoa.
Ergoena
It’s possible that Fernando lived in the house called Torrea during his childhood, as his mother was born there and his grandparents lived there. San Bartolome church was the place for all his sacraments: baptism, confirmation, wedding and his funeral, on July 9th, 1823.
ThefirstanimationfilminBasque
‘Fernando Amezketarra’ was the first animation film in Basque, produced by Luis Goia and directed by Juanba Berasategi in 1979.