Arce brings together Roman remains, a Late Romanesque church and a historic palace. At the Artzi archaeological site, a specific function becomes apparent: from the late 1st century BC, it served as a road station. The baths of Arce/Artzi add another dimension to this focus with information panels and a 3D reconstruction of the building. Together with the landscape around Santa María and a cycling route through the Valle de Arce, they offer several ways to shape your stay.
Roman Traces in Artzi
Its function as a road station places the Artzi archaeological site within the context of Roman road travel. The Roman baths offer a different way to explore the past: their information panels and 3D reconstruction present the building through both explanations and a spatial depiction. The baths opened to the public after being consolidated and converted into a museum. Check the current access conditions before your visit.
Church and Palace: Comparing Architectural History
Santa María de Arce is a Late Romanesque rural church dating from the late 12th century. A series of corbels decorates its exterior; the figures depict activities including playing the harp and carrying a barrel. Alongside the building’s place in history, you can also discover a specific detail of its exterior design.
The Palacio de Arce is a historic 16th-century building renovated by the Government of Navarre. The 2024 renovation restored its medieval wooden gallery and medieval square. The palace is located within the protected surroundings of Santa María, which was recognized as a Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) in 1983. The church and palace can therefore also be compared by period: one is a Late Romanesque rural church, while the other is a 16th-century building with restored medieval spaces.
Landscape and Routes through the Valle de Arce
Santa María lies in a landscape shaped by the Río Urrobi and dominated by the Sierra de Labia. This connection with the landscape adds a regional context to the church and its architectural history.
For cycling trips, EuroVelo 3 runs through the Valle de Arce and then continues towards Aoiz. The Roman road from Arce also crosses the valley, specifically through the Gurpegui and Urrobi river basins. These two route connections offer different points of focus: EuroVelo 3 is described as continuing towards Aoiz, while the Roman road is associated with its location in the valley and river basins. This makes it easier to consider the modern cycling route and the historic road as separate points of reference.
Playa de Arce and Visitor Information
Playa de Arce/Artze is in the northern part of the Itoitz Reservoir, in the Concejo de Arce. It has 89 spaces, including three for people with reduced mobility. As information about the facilities may change, check it before you arrive.
The renovated Casa del Ermitaño is opposite the chapel. In September 2025, it was one of the information points for the bathing areas. Before your trip, check the latest visitor information and the applicable access conditions.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
If architectural history is your main interest, the Roman sites and the contrast in period between the church and palace offer several points of interest. For a stay focused on cycling, EuroVelo 3 through the Valle de Arce is relevant; the bathing area at the Itoitz Reservoir offers another focus.
Discover more destinations: Uriz, Tiebas-Muruarte de Reta, Cabanillas, Iza, Mués, Uztegi, Esnoz, Villamayor.
For the broader travel overview: Navarre.
