Tide mill

Previously, when the tide was high, the water travelled upstream towards Ardantza Valley. For centuries, these tidal movements were used to generate power using a tide mill. The earliest written reference to the mill dates from 1203, and we know that it continued working up until 1885.

A 60m dam linked the area around the Parish Church to San Telmo Street, serving also as a bridge, and is thought to be the origin of old Basque name Zubiarrue, which literally translates as ‘before the bridge’.

The tide mill had two millstones, one for wheat and one for maize. The mill building was also known as Presako Torrea.