Anboto

Anboto is a limestone mountain of the Western Basque Country, the highest peak of the Urkiola range and not far from the Urkiola mountain pass between Durango and Vitoria-Gasteiz.DescriptionAn immense mass of limestone, very compact and of gray color, the mountain contains fossil remnants of massive prehistoric corals and large seashells.The north face has impressive 1,000 m high cliffs, towering over the valley of Atxondo. The south face descends more smoothly toward the pass of Urkiolamendi, with less unevenness and by way of which the most popular routes of ascent to the summit are opened.Its ascent, which can be carried out on any of its faces, requires in all cases certain care when passing next to the cliffs.The Anboto is one of the most known and most characteristic summits of Biscay and of the Basque Country.On its summit there is a geodesic vertex of second order.MythologyAnboto has always been related to magic and mythology. In a cave close to its summit, the legend tells us that Mari the Lady of Anboto has her main dwelling. Legend says that it is usual to see her in the mouth of the cave, on days of good weather, combing her pretty blond hair with a comb of gold in the sunshine. It is not rare either to see her spend nights as a great ball of fire in the sky above Anboto or toward other places of the Basque Country where she possesses dwellings like the nearby Oiz or Aizkorri. Depending on where she is found there will be good or bad weather.