PRISON

It is a neoclassical building designed by the architect Rafael Zavala in the mid-19th century and made by the stonemason José Vicente Urreta. It is a simple building with two corner pillars and four Doric columns. It has a neoclassical fountain attached to it.

Rival of the Barroeta tower, it was part of the patronage of the church of Xemein. It is unknown how big the first tower would have been as it underwent various modifications: one at the beginning of the 16th century, another in the 18th which mainly affected the interior and the last one in the 20th century. Under its roof, on four sides with a pinion, we can appreciate the access with a pointed arch, the modillions, embrasure windows and pointed openings. It had a weapons courtyard and an iron factory.

On the hill above the Murga solar house, next to the current Iparraguirre water reservoir, the general meetings of the Merindad of Markina were held next to the Sagastiguren tree. The merindad was made up of Xemein, Etxebarria and the town of Markina. This tree died at the beginning of the last century. However, in 2005 on the occasion of the 650th anniversary of the founding of Villaviciosa de Markina, the Markina-Xemein City Council organized an event in which they set up stone tables and benches in memory of the old assembly.