In Bera there was a war between French and British on the San Miguel Bridge. After falling into the hands of the English and Portuguese on the eve of San Sebastian and losing the battle of San Marcial, the Napoleonic army had to retire to Lapurdi.

In Bera the French had a bridge guarded by the English, one of the few steps, and had to fight to pass it. Some 20 people died in the battle, but it also left other consequences: in all wars the losers are citizens and in Cinco Villas there were famines and plagues, caused by the destruction and the need to feed the soldiers.