La Encartada is a 19th-century textile factory dedicated to the production of wool knit fabrics that has preserved its historical appearance and technological equipment.
The old buildings, the most advanced machinery of its time, and the workers' colony now form part of an industrial museum that transports us back to the era of its creation. All the original transmission systems, such as pulleys and belts , are still in operation, as are the period decorations in the rooms.
Founded in 1892 by a local businessman, the factory's industrial complex has remained almost unchanged to this day. La Encartada is located in a picturesque spot, less than two kilometers from the historic center of Balmaseda , next to the Kadagua River , whose waters powered the factory's machinery for a century.
The Encartada Factory Museum guides us through the early stages of industrialization in the Basque Country and the production process of one of our most recognized garments: the txapela , among other knitted fabrics.
