Amaiur, a charming town in the Baztán valley

The beautiful village of love o Maya in Spanish is found in the Merindad of Pamplona, one of the five historical divisions of Navarre. Specifically, it is in full Baztan Valley, with its enormous beauty and legendary reminiscences.

far and wide your only street, there are about three hundred inhabitants. But this town, which is sixty kilometers from the aforementioned Pamplona, ​​is a first-rate tourist destination both for its monuments and for its wonderful natural environment. Next, we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Amaiur, a charming town in the Baztan Valley.

History of Amaiur

As if all of the above were not enough, this beautiful villa has a long history. It already appears in documents from the 12th century as one of the feudal holdings or areas belonging to nobles of the Kingdom of Navarra. Likewise, at that time it was a transit point for the Camino de Santiago, which contributed to increasing its prosperity.

But the great historical milestone that happened in Amaiur had to do with the conquest of Navarre by the Castilian troops. This occurred in 1512, but the former kings tried to recover their territory several times. Thus, in 1521, the Agramontese, who remained loyal to them, revolted and ended up under siege in the Amaiur castle. After a heroic resistance, they capitulated before the viceroy, appointed by Castile.

In 1665 he reached the rank of villa, upon separating from Baztán. He would return to it in 1969. But, since then, he has managed to preserve the traditional air of his houses, as well as its genuinely historic and picturesque charm. In fact, as we told you, the town is configured in a single street that is accessed through one of the old doors. This has a semicircular arch on which you can see the noble shield carved into the stone. But, without further ado, let's talk to you about what you should see in Amaiur.

Aamiur Castle

Precisely, your visit to the Navarrese town should begin with the remains of its castle. In its galleries a 16th century sword was found that, it is believed, was used in the defense of the fortress. Also, in the place you can see a monolith erected in honor of the two hundred men who defended it against ten thousand Castilian soldiers in the siege that we have already mentioned.

This commemorative piece is an obelisk created by the architect Serapio Esparza in 1922. It is adorned with several shields and inscriptions with the names of the resisters. However, it was blown up with dynamite in 1931 to be rebuilt in 1982.

Furthermore, in 2007, it was inaugurated in the Mount Gaztelua, where the castle is, a monolith to the Unknown Resistant created by the sculptor Pello Iraizoz. Carved in reddish stone from the Baztán Valley itself, it also has various ornaments and inscriptions. Among the first, the starry figure that originated the coat of arms of Navarre and images of different sovereigns of the old kingdom.

The old mill

You will find it at the beginning of the town, as soon as you enter it and on the left. It is an old mill from the 18th century built at traditional style of the region. He recently went through a rehabilitation process and you can visit him.

Those in charge of its maintenance are Felipe and Isabel, who, in addition to guided tours, also organize workshops for children and allow you discover the flour that they still produce in the mill. You can even try the tasty Stems, which are typical of Amaiur. These are, precisely, corn flour cakes in which other very varied ingredients are introduced, such as, for example, bacon, chistorra or processed cheese. We recommend that you eat them, they are really delicious.

Traditional houses, palaces and church

Despite its small size, this Navarrese town has several palaces in its streets. Among them, you should look at those of Arretxea, built in the 16th century, and Rail, built in the 18th century. But also in the Arriada house, which was where the barzarres or local boards since the 16th century.

For its part, the Church of the Assumption It was built during the Middle Ages, although it has been renovated several times between the 16th and 18th centuries. It is a beautiful temple that combines the traditional style of the Baztán Valley with exposed stone walls. However, its slenderness stands out overall. bell tower which ends in an octagonal shape.

Amaiur surroundings

To finish our visit to this beautiful Navarrese town, we will suggest what to see in its surroundings. A must see is Elizondo, capital of the Baztán valley. With about three thousand five hundred inhabitants, it is a pleasure to walk through its typical streets of medieval origin, while appreciating its houses of Indians returned from America.

But, above all, you must know the Church of Santiago, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the remains of a previous one built in the 16th century. Its impressive façade stands out with two symmetrical neo-baroque style towers. Finally, you have to see the Town Hall, from the 17th century, stately houses like those of Arizkunenea o Txarrenea and the old pilgrim hospital.

On the other hand, the Baztán valley has spectacular nature and an aura of mystery that will catch your attention. As for the latter, you can visit the Zugarramurdi caves, with his past of witchcraft. You even have a museum dedicated to witches in the town of the same name. More geological interest has the Urdax caves, with its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

Also, very close to the town of Errazu you have the beautiful Xorroxin waterfall. You can reach it by a wonderful hiking route between chestnut and beech trees after having visited the town. In this you have the church of San Pedro, dating back to the 18th century, and the baroque palace-houses of Apesteguía and Iriartea.

You should also not forget about other towns in the valley such as ciga, with its church of San Lorenzo, dating from the 16th century; Almándoz, with its baroque palace of Galtzaga, or Lecároz, with its hermitage of San Marcial and its palaces.

In conclusion, we have shown you what to see and do in love, a charming town in the Baztan Valley. But, also, since you are in Navarre, don't forget to get to know the capital itself, Pamplona, as well as the spectacular irati forest, one of the largest beech and spruce forests in Europe. Dare to discover the wonders of this regional community.