The Plasentia de Butrón Museum, located in the town of Plentzia, is a small museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the region’s rich maritime heritage. Named after the original medieval name of the town, the museum is housed in a beautiful historic building in the Old Quarter of Plentzia.

Established to promote the cultural and historical significance of Plentzia, the museum offers a comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that explore the area’s maritime past. Its primary focus is on the town’s role as a fishing and shipbuilding center during the Middle Ages and its evolution into a bustling port in later centuries.

The museum’s permanent exhibition includes an array of nautical instruments, maps, and models of traditional Basque fishing vessels, offering visitors an in-depth look at the tools and techniques used by local sailors and fishermen. Archival materials such as shipping logs, trade records, and personal accounts provide insight into the economic and social life of the town through different eras.

A significant highlight of the museum is its section dedicated to the Balleneros vascos (Basque whalers), detailing the history of Basque whaling expeditions that reached as far as Newfoundland during the 16th century. This exhibit emphasizes the region’s pioneering maritime achievements and global connections.

The entrance to the museeum is free.

More information: https://museoplentzia.org/