Pedro Bernardo Villarreal (1669-1740) is a key figure in the history and transformation of Lea Ibarra. He sowed the first seeds of industrialisation and had a strong influence on the technological and economic progress of the Basque Country. In addition to his love of science and engineering, he was also insatiably curious.
Villarreal is a key figure in the history and transformation of Lea Ibarra. He sowed the first seeds of industrialisation and had a strong influence on the technological and economic progress of the Basque Country. In addition to his love of science and engineering, he was also insatiably curious.
He was fascinated by forests and foundries. He turned forests into factories: holm oaks were used to make charcoal for the foundries; oaks were used to build ships; and slender ash trees were used to make pikes. He spent much time and effort designing hydraulic dams, foundries and mills. He was also Mayor of Lekeitio.
