# Lekeitio > municipality of Spain (Basque Country) **Wikidata**: [Q1227965](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1227965) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lekeitio) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lekeitio ## Summary Lekeitio is a municipality located in the Basque Country, Spain, with a population of approximately 7,300 residents. It is known for its coastal setting, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks such as the Santa Catalina lighthouse and the Basílica de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Lequeitio. ## Key Facts - **Location:** Basque Country, Spain (country code: Q29) - **Inception:** Founded in 1326 - **Population (recent):** Ranges between 6,780 and 7,490 (with peaks in the mid-2000s) - **Coordinates:** Latitude 43.363877777778, Longitude -2.5048833333333 - **Website:** [www.lekeitio.com](http://www.lekeitio.com) - **Notable Sites:** Santa Catalina lighthouse, Armintxe Cave, Basílica de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Lequeitio - **Administrative Classification:** Municipality of Spain (Basque Country) - **Language Context:** Located in a region where Basque (Euskera) is co-official with Spanish - **Related Comarca:** Lea-Artibai - **Nearby Locations:** Garraitz - **Sitelink Count:** 43 ## FAQs **What is Lekeitio known for?** Lekeitio is known for its coastal charm, historical sites, and cultural identity within the Basque Country. It features landmarks such as the Santa Catalina lighthouse and the Armintxe Cave, which is of archaeological significance. **When was Lekeitio founded?** Lekeitio was officially established in 1326, making it one of the older municipalities in the Basque region. **What is the population of Lekeitio?** The population of Lekeitio has fluctuated over time, ranging from around 4,000 in the early 1990s to over 7,400 in the mid-2000s, with recent figures hovering around 7,300. **What are some notable landmarks in Lekeitio?** Notable landmarks include the Santa Catalina lighthouse, the Basílica de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Lequeitio, and the Armintxe Cave, which is known for its archaeological value. **What language is spoken in Lekeitio?** Lekeitio is located in the Basque Country, where both Spanish and Basque (Euskera) are spoken. Basque holds co-official status in the region. **What administrative region is Lekeitio part of?** Lekeitio is part of the Lea-Artibai comarca in the province of Biscay, Basque Country, Spain. ## Why It Matters Lekeitio plays a significant role in preserving and showcasing the cultural and historical identity of the Basque Country. Its landmarks, such as the Santa Catalina lighthouse and the Armintxe Cave, contribute to the region's archaeological and maritime heritage. As a municipality, it reflects the demographic and linguistic diversity of the Basque region, with a population that has remained relatively stable over recent decades. Lekeitio also contributes to the tourism and cultural landscape of the Basque Autonomous Community, offering insights into both historical and contemporary life in coastal Biscay. ## Notable For - **Historical Inception:** Founded in 1326, making it a historically significant municipality in the Basque Country. - **Cultural Heritage Sites:** Home to the Santa Catalina lighthouse and the Basílica de la Asunción, both of which are important cultural properties. - **Archaeological Significance:** Contains the Armintxe Cave, a site of archaeological interest. - **Coastal Location:** Positioned along the Bay of Biscay, contributing to its scenic and touristic appeal. - **Bilingual Context:** Located in a region where both Spanish and Basque are co-official languages. - **Population Stability:** Maintains a relatively stable population over recent decades, ranging between 7,000 and 7,500 residents. - **Administrative Longevity:** Part of Spain’s municipal structure since 1842, with roots tracing back to medieval times. ## Body ### History and Inception Lekeitio was founded in 1326, making it one of the older municipalities in the Basque Country. Its historical roots are tied to the broader development of municipal governance in Spain, which began to take formal shape in the 19th century. The town’s inception predates the modern Spanish municipal system, which was formally established in 1842. Lekeitio’s long-standing presence in the region contributes to its cultural and historical significance. ### Geography and Location Lekeitio is located in the Basque Country, Spain, specifically within the comarca of Lea-Artibai in the province of Biscay. Its coordinates are approximately 43.363877777778° N and -2.5048833333333° E, placing it along the Bay of Biscay. This coastal location contributes to its scenic beauty and historical development as a maritime community. ### Demographics and Population Trends The population of Lekeitio has varied over time, with historical figures showing a range from approximately 4,000 in the early 1990s to over 7,400 in the mid-2000s. Recent data indicates a stable population hovering around 7,300. This demographic stability reflects the town’s enduring appeal as a residential and touristic destination in the Basque Country. ### Cultural and Historical Landmarks Lekeitio is home to several notable sites: - **Santa Catalina Lighthouse:** Built in 1862, it is a key historical landmark. - **Armintxe Cave:** An archaeological site of regional importance. - **Basílica de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Lequeitio:** A recognized cultural property. These landmarks contribute to the town’s identity and attract both cultural and historical tourism. ### Language and Regional Identity Lekeitio is located in the Basque Country, where both Spanish and Basque (Euskera) are co-official languages. This linguistic duality is reflected in local governance, education, and cultural practices. The presence of Basque as a co-official language underscores the region’s distinct cultural identity within Spain. ### Administrative Context As a municipality of Spain, Lekeitio falls under the administrative structure established in 1842. It is part of the Lea-Artibai comarca in Biscay, contributing to the decentralized governance model of the Basque Autonomous Community. Nearby locations such as Garraitz and the broader Basque region influence its cultural and administrative context. ### Related Entities and Projects Lekeitio is connected to several regional and national entities: - **Lea-Artibai:** The comarca to which it belongs. - **Garraitz:** A nearby location with shared cultural and historical ties. - **Armintxe Cave:** An archaeological site located within Lekeitio. - **Santa Catalina Lighthouse:** A historical lighthouse and cultural property. - **Basílica de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora de Lequeitio:** A religious and cultural landmark. ### Digital Presence and Governance Lekeitio maintains an official website at [www.lekeitio.com](http://www.lekeitio.com), which serves as a digital hub for municipal information, events, and services. This reflects the town’s integration into modern governance and communication practices while preserving its historical roots. ### Sitelinks and References With 43 sitelinks, Lekeitio is referenced across various platforms, including Wikipedia and Wikidata. These references highlight its cultural, historical, and administrative relevance within Spain and the Basque Country. ## References 1. Nomenclátor Geográfico de Municipios y Entidades de Población (20240402 edition) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. Register of Local Entities 4. [Source](https://www.worlddata.info/europe/spain/timezones.php) 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. MusicBrainz 7. Municipal Register of Spain 2013 8. Municipal Register of Spain 2012 9. Municipal Register of Spain 2011 10. Municipal Register of Spain 2010 11. Municipal Register of Spain 2009 12. Municipal Register of Spain 2008 13. Municipal Register of Spain 2007 14. Municipal Register of Spain 2006 15. Municipal Register of Spain 2005 16. Municipal Register of Spain 2004 17. Municipal Register of Spain 2002 18. Municipal Register of Spain 2001 19. Municipal Register of Spain 2014 20. Municipal Register of Spain 2015 21. Municipal Register of Spain 2016 22. Municipal Register of Spain 2017 23. Municipal Register of Spain 2018 24. [Cifras oficiales de población resultantes de la revisión del Padrón municipal a 1 de enero. National Statistics Institute](http://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/index.htm?padre=525) 25. Municipal Register of Spain 2019 26. Municipal Register of Spain 2020 27. Municipal Register of Spain of 2021 28. Municipal Register of Spain of 2022 29. Municipal Register of Spain of 2023 30. Municipal Register of Spain of 2024 31. Municipal Register of Spain of 2025 32. [Source](https://www.ine.es/inebaseweb/pdfDispacher.do?td=145064&ext=.pdf) 33. National Statistics Institute 34. [Source](https://www.ine.es/jaxiT3/Datos.htm?t=3081) 35. List of Municipalities and their Codes by Provinces as of January 1, 2019 36. [Source](https://www.ine.es/dynt3/inebase/es/index.htm?padre=517&capsel=525) 37. GeoNames 38. Límites municipales, provinciales y autonómicos 39. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File