Cementery

This cemetery, which offers innovative architecture in the Basque Country, thanks to the design of José Antonio Pizarro, creates a symbolic and sacred space. Inside the cemetery is the sculpture ‘The Angel of Life’ and ‘The Angel of Death’ by the sculptor Vicente Larrea, which symbolises the sacred and dark character of the cemetery. Larrea created this sculpture with the sensibility of the time, and the figure of the angel indicates the connection between life and death.

Architecturally, Pizarro’s work is inspired by Egyptian temple spaces and its structure aims to take the visitor on an ‘unlimited journey’. The cemetery, structured by means of an underground crypt, combines vertical and horizontal dimensions by means of parabolic arches and symmetrical spaces. The interior space is organised with niches divided into four rows and the arches are called ‘arch of the earth’ or ‘arch of fire’, reinforcing the symbolism of the space.

The cemetery, quiet and surrounded by nature, in a natural setting, surrounded by meadows and trees, offers beautiful views of the municipalities of Urretxu and Zumarraga. The cemetery was under the supervision and administration of the parish until 1980, but extensions were necessary, and it currently has 161 pantheons and 738 recesses.

Thus, this cemetery has a special uniqueness and its symbolic architecture and sculptures, its play of light and its harmony with the surroundings, create a sacred and singular space of great importance for its citizens.