The La Encartada Museum, located in Balmaseda, offers a unique insight into the industrial heritage of the Basque Country. It is housed within a former textile factory, providing a well-preserved example of 19th and early 20th-century industrial architecture and manufacturing processes.
The factory, officially named “Fábrica de Boinas La Encartada” (Beret Factory La Encartada), was founded in 1892 by Juan Antonio Zabaleta. It specialized in the production of berets, a traditional Basque headwear. The factory’s location was chosen due to the availability of water power from the Cadagua River, essential for running the machinery. La Encartada operated for nearly a century, becoming a significant employer in the region.
The museum showcases the complete manufacturing process of berets, from the raw wool to the finished product. Visitors can observe:
- Original machinery: The museum preserves a remarkable collection of original machinery, including carding machines, spinning machines, looms, and finishing equipment. Many of these machines are still functional and are demonstrated during guided tours.
- Factory buildings: The various factory buildings, including the production halls, workshops, and workers’ housing, are preserved and provide a tangible sense of the working conditions and industrial environment of the time.
- Social history: The museum also explores the social aspects of industrial life, including the lives of the workers and the impact of the factory on the local community.
La Encartada ceased production in 1992 and was later restored and converted into a museum, opening to the public in 2003. It now serves as an important reminder of the Basque Country’s industrial past and offers a compelling educational experience.
