Azpeitia

Azpeitia is a town and municipality within the province of Gipuzkoa, in the Basque Country of Spain, located on the Urola river a few kilometres east of Azkoitia. Its population is 13,708 . It is located 16 miles southwest of Donostia/San Sebastián.Azpeitia is the birthplace of Ignatius of Loyola. His birth home is now preserved as a part of large Jesuit compound, the Sanctuary of Loyola, a major attraction of tourist and pilgrims alike. It is also the birthplace of Renaissance composer Juan de Anchieta.Azpeitia lies at the foot of the massive Izarraitz towering over the town and much visited by town-dwellers. Azpeitia Railway Museum is located in the town.Historical BackgroundAzpeitia was created in 1310 by a royal order of King Fernando IV. First, its original name was “Garmendia de Iraurgi” and a year later it was renamed “Salvatierra de Iraurgi”. The name “Azpeitia” started to be used in 1397. During the 13th and 14th centuries there were many fights and wars among prominent families that happened in the town. Notably, between the Oñaz and Gamboa families. In 1766, there was revolt in the town as a consequence of King Carlos V intention of liberalizing the selling and buying of wheat. For a brief period of time, there was even a revolutionary town council. However, this revolt was quickly repressed by troops sent from San Sebastian.