Church of Saint Marina

Church of Saint Marina

It is the second most important public building in the town. It was built in the 16th century, in the Renaissance style.
After the Town Hall, it is the second most important public building in the town. It was built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. The Baroque-style tower was added later. One of the main functions of this church at the time of its foundation was undoubtedly defensive, as its tower offers a view of the town’s surroundings. Originally, the church consisted of a three-aisled nave with a ribbed vault. It also had a large chancel with tall side chapels. Later, several spaces were added, and in the 19th century, a very interesting neoclassical polygonal sacristy was built. The most notable feature of this building is the aforementioned tower. It has several storeys and was built with funds from the Americas. Also noteworthy is the clock, not as an ornament but as an indispensable element in the daily life of this working-class town for regulating working hours, as it could be seen from any point in the town centre. There is also a marble font. Today, hardly any of the original ornaments remain. However, it is known that an organ was in use in this parish for over four centuries. Several organists from Otxandio managed to take their music to other parts of the world, notably the Arostegi family.