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In the outskirts of this emblematic town we will find the "caves of Zugarramurdi" formed by a large natural tunnel crossed by the Infernuko Erreka stream.
They form a spectacular surface karstic landform, whose main cavity has the shape of a large tunnel with a length of 120 m. Its average height is 10 to 12 m.
There is a bottom level of more than 100 metres, which has a large gallery and some surrounding ramifications. The top level which is accessed by stairs but without coming out, houses the entrance to the "Sorgin leze" (male goat) galleries, there are two in this top part. The akelarres and famous witches meetings were held on the entrance meadow.
The legend and the mystery of the witches are still alive among the people of Zugarramurdi, who today show their visitors the caves that were the scene of witches meetings and for holding "akelarres" (Basque term for witch gatherings). In 1610 the Inquisition accused 53 villagers of necrophagia and vampirism. Since then Zugarramurdi is associated with witches and caves, which is where the witch gatherings (akelarres) were traditionally held.
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