Between the districts of Ereño and Gautegiz-Arteaga there are a series of old quarries. These quarries were used to extract a type of marble (re-crystalised reef limestone). As a result of the sedimentation of the sea which covered the Earth 145 and 65 million years ago, coral and mollusc fossils have been found. Its red tone is due to the iron oxide in the sediments.
The extraction of the limestone began two thousand years ago by the Romans. The material extracted was used in the Roman settlements in Forua. Its use was extended to many other areas of the Basque Country including Areaia and the old Roman city of Veleia. It´s main use was decorative in buildings.
Visiting timetable:
The quarries are abandoned and can be visited whenever you wish.
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