It is the birthplace of Miguel López de Legazpi, conquistador who explored the Pacific Islands and the East Indies,[2] and of Iñaki Urdangarín, the husband of Infanta Cristina of Spain.

Some of the main neighborhoods and streets include Secundino Esnaola, Etxeberri, Orbegozo, Plaza Leturias, Argixao, Eitza, Avenue Padre Urdaneta, Ipar Haizea, Agiña, San Cristóbal, Eliz-kale, Bidezar, Izazpi, Search Isusi, Oquendo, Plaza Navarra, Piedad, Legazpi, Soraitz, Avenue Euskal Herria, San Isidro, and Txurruka.

After the Spanish Civil War, the iron and steel industry took off with the building of the Estaban Orbegozo factory, which saw an influx of workers from surrounding areas.

The municipal cemetery is noted for its underground crypt designed by the architect José Antonio Pizarro, influenced by Ancient Egypt.

The Instituto De Educacion Secundaria Jose Maria Iparraguirre is situated in the northwestern outskirts of the town.

[8] The ultra-modern Lamorous-Argixao old people's home (Centro gerontológico Lamorous Argixao/Lamorous Argixao zaharren egoitza) inaugurated in September 2008 offers accommodation for 115 seniors, including 30 psycho-geriatric units and 30 day care spaces.