The Covered Promenade in Deba, a creation of the San Sebastian-born architect Manuel Echave Zalacain, dates back to 1910 and stands as one of the town's most significant buildings. Over time, the structure suffered deterioration, leading to a restoration project that has brought back its former glory. Soon, a second phase, driven by the Deba Town Council, will involve installing glass panels around its perimeter to shield pedestrians from rain and wind.
“"Currently, the project is in the drafting phase, but if the planned deadlines are met, the glass panels are expected to be installed by next autumn."
Alongside these restoration efforts, the rear facade of the Covered Promenade has also been transformed with a striking mural by artist Lian Montserrate. This artwork aims to capture the spirit of the coastal town of Deba through various scenes. Montserrate, a muralist with Catalan and American roots residing in Bizkaia, is also known for her works in other towns in Debabarrena.
The mural project originated in late 2019, following a landslide between Deba and Zumaia that halted railway traffic. Lian Montserrate saw an opportunity to work on the facade near the station. Although initially postponed, the Deba Town Council reconnected with the artist in February, coinciding with the promenade's restoration. Despite Montserrate being in Australia at the time and facing a tight one-month deadline, she accepted the challenge, working intensely under adverse weather conditions.
“"It was crazy: paint and sleep, I did nothing else."
The mural comprises six scenes that, read from left to right, form a narrative sequence. It begins with the flysch and a sunrise, followed by the Praileaitz cave as a nod to local prehistory, and a black-and-white recreation of an old photograph of Deba beach. The visual journey continues with a young train traveler, representing the present, and two children running with the Korrika baton, symbolizing the future. The artwork concludes with a sunset over Santa Katalina, completing the temporal cycle. This mural transforms the renovated Covered Promenade into a visual showcase of Deba's identity, highlighting its landscape, history, and life.




