The thousands of people who, throughout the summer, walked along the La Galea path have been able to attend the first interventions that will enable the gradual restoration of this iconic heritage asset.

The opening of the Fort and Lighthouse was the second most-voted option by the people of Getxo within the municipality’s participatory budgets for 2025. Its history, beauty and location spark the interest of walkers, locals and visitors who, in growing numbers, make their way along the coastal promenade.

The Fort of La Galea was built in 1743 and became one of the most emblematic military defences on the Biscayan coast. Throughout history it has had various uses, both military and civilian.

In compliance with the resolution corresponding to the participatory budgets, the Fundación Punta Begoña Fundazioa has launched the process to prepare the complex, carrying out a preliminary analysis of its overall condition, identifying areas for action, undertaking interior and surrounding clean-up interventions, and carrying out gardening work both in the various interior spaces and in the affected areas of the walls and the moat.

The budget allocated for this first phase amounts to 156,000 euros.

The work carried out over these months has enhanced the external appearance of the Fort and Lighthouse, but it has also contributed effectively to preventing the severe damage that vegetation was beginning to cause to the interior and exterior walls.

At present, cleaning and gardening work is being undertaken in the areas closest to the cliff, which are particularly complex.

Throughout the restoration process, the landscape visits organised by Fundación Punta Begoña Fundazioa have been maintained, Getxo, Puntatik Puntara, in which historical aspects of the municipality are explained on the basis of the axis that links Punta Galea and Punta Begoña.

These historical aspects will also be presented inside the Fort through guided tours and a basic musealisation, as soon as its preparation and the definition of safety protocols reach the required level of development.

In parallel, a strategic and action plan will be drawn up to define the monument’s utilities and uses for its sustainable management and public enjoyment.

The preparation of this document will not affect the immediate objective of preparing the space so that it can gradually become a place that is accessible and enjoyable for the public.