Ecomusee de la Pelote Et du Xistera Pilotari

The Sanctuary of the King of Sports Located in a traditional building, this ecomuseum is an essential stop for understanding the Basque soul through its emblematic sport: Pelota. Far from being a simple exhibition, the museum traces the evolution of jeu de paume (real tennis) into the various specialties we know today. Visitors will discover the incredible diversity of playing areas (frontons, trinquets, fronton courts) and the complexity of the equipment. The highlight of the visit is the area dedicated to the artisanal production of pelota balls and gloves, a rare skill where leather, latex, and wicker come together to create objects of phenomenal durability. A playful and technical immersion The "Pilotari" trail is designed to be engaging: thanks to interactive displays, videos of thrilling matches, and testimonials from great champions, you'll be immersed in the intensity of the competition. You'll learn, among other things, the secret of making the Xistera (the large wicker glove), which allows the ball to be hit at over 250 km/h, making Cesta Punta the fastest ball sport in the world. This visit combines culture, craftsmanship, and emotion, making it ideal for understanding why every Basque village has a fronton (Basque pelota court) at its center.