Upper wash house

In Zumaia, the old wash houses where townsfolk used to do their laundry are known as albergas. The word comes from the Arabic and in Spanish alberca means water tank.

In olden times, since houses had no running water, clothes were washed outside with the help of a series of flat stones.

Wash houses were spaces in which many women would meet and socialise, sharing stories and songs while doing the laundry.