The first archaeological remains of this village correspond to the Mesolith, in the cave of Kobaua, although there is more information up to the time of the Romans. Thus, 1355 was the year in which the village of Markina was created by Prince Don Tello. In the Middle Ages, it was sheltered by a wall that surrounded the entire town. The municipality was formed in 1952 by the merger of the town of Markina and the neighbouring antechurch of Xemein.

Palaces and towers are located throughout the municipality, such as the Bidarte or Murga towers, Antxia or Ibarra, Ansotegi or Munibetxea, Barroeta, Ugarte and the Solartekua or Mugartegi palaces (now the town hall), Andonaegi, Patrokua or the house of Gaytan and Ayala.

There are several churches and chapels, the most special one is the chapel of San Miguel de Arretxinaga. Inside it contains three large stones, creating a natural rarity. There are many legends about these rocks. One of them tells that if we pass under the stones three times without touching them, we will find a partner in less than a year.

Without doubt, Markina-Xemein is known as the University of the Ball, due to the prominence of the pointed basket in the municipality. It was the first pelota court to be built in the 18th century. The best players of the cesta punta of all times have come from here.

Rest: the water park

In the vicinity of the sports centre there is a water park where you can cool down and spend a great day with the family.

Tourist website of Markina-Xemein