Farmhouses and tower keeps
Fine examples of typical Atlantic Basque farmhouse architecture can be found in all the villages of the municipality, many of them dating back 200 or even 300 years. These were the ancestral homes of the local nobility, though their original defensive tower keep structures all but vanished as they gradually evolved into farmhouses. A few signs of their great age and noble past still remain, however. Most of these farmhouses enjoy outstanding views.
In this valley the farmhouses cluster in parishes presided over by a parish church, in whose porch local people traditionally gathered to discuss matters of general interest. Except for Olaeta, which maintains its own district council, the parishes of Aramaio now depend administratively on the municipal council, which is based in Ibarra.
As a rough guideline for visitors planning a route through the valley, the following are conveniently situated in terms of proximity and accessibility:
- Parish of Gantzaga-Etxaguen.
- Parish of -Uribarri
- Parish of Barajuen-Azkoaga
- Parish of Untzilla
- Parish of Ibarra
- Parish of Olaeta (outside the actual valley of Aramaio)
Some of the former farmhouses have now been turned into attractive rural guest-houses here visitors can sample local food and produce and enjoy the rural atmosphere. Examples are the guest-houses of Muru (Gantzaga), Zabola (Azkoaga) and Uxarte (Untzilla).
