In the 1990s, the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa began an investigation with a team of historians, archaeologists and architects on the acquisition and history of the farmhouse. With the information gathered, the dwelling was later restored and the project that is now Caserío Museo was launched. “The goal is to make known how the 16th-century dwellings emerged, evolved and lived,” explained the coordinator of the Plazaola Museum, Kizkitza Ugarteburu.

The dwellings we know today have their origin in the 16th century.

UGARTEBURU explained that Igartubeiti is one of the few villages that have carried out archaeological excavations in the area. Under him, the researchers found the remains of a hut in which several animals were found. “It is believed that families used to live in the slums and that they had animals and others.” In the sixteenth century, the family home and all its elements were integrated into a single nucleus. “Then these houses that we know today arose,” explains the museum coordinator.

In 2001 it restored, expanded and launched the Igartubeiti lagar. Until 2007, guided tours of the farmhouse were held, but in 2008 a step forward was taken with the opening of the interpretation center. “The Representative did not want to make any kind of intervention in the house, he did not want to put any panels or information. For this purpose, an interpretation centre was opened”. In this space there are audiovisual information that contextualize visitors who come close to the hamlet and make known their origin and evolution. However, space also offers the possibility of other initiatives.

Workshops, exhibitions and concerts in the lagar

The Cider Week is one of the most successful activities that are organized annually in the small museum. The lagar is launched and shows how the cider was elaborated in the sixteenth century through different activities: exhibition of kirikoketa, workshops on the apple, tasting… On the other hand, in March activities are also carried out to publicize the importance of women in the hamlet on the occasion of the international day of women. And throughout the year, many other activities are organized in the hamlet: concerts in the lagar, monthly workshops, exhibitions – now the photographic exhibition West of Asier Gogortza-… A great opportunity for families, groups of friends and schools to approach the hamlet.