Old Customs

Between 1820 and 1823 (Liberal Triennium), State Customs were created in this side of the town. They reflected the project of creating a Liberal State. This time, it failed due to conservative’s reaction. However, liberals shall finally end with the Basque Fueros (traditional laws) in 1876. General Gabriel de Mendizabal, born in Bergara (Gipuzkoa), undertook the procedure to create these customs. In the battle of Alba de Tormes (1809), this remarquable strategist employed the tactic that, some years later, caused the definitive defeat of Napoleon in Waterloo (1815).