Artariáin combines cultural and historical landmarks with MTB routes leading to San Pelayo. This gives you two distinct areas to focus on when choosing a destination: the church, stele and chapels on the one hand, and cycling on the other. The town’s history is reflected both in sacred art and in a specific legal act from the 13th century.

Location and Getting There

Artariáin lies on a hill on the right bank of the Cemboráin stream and is part of the Valdorba Valley. A local road connects the town to the N-121 highway between Pamplona and Tudela. If you’re arriving by car, check the current road conditions for the day of your trip.

Church of San Juan Bautista: Art and Architectural History

In 1264, King Theobald II exempted the inhabitants of Artariáin from punishment for accidental killings. The apse, portal, sacristy and other elements of the Church of San Juan Bautista were rebuilt between the 16th and 17th centuries. The main altar features a 16th-century Romanist depiction of Saint Lucy, transferred from her chapel. The church also has a simple, unadorned baptismal font.

The church atrium houses a fully preserved sandstone disc stele. It dates from the late 12th to the 13th century. Its front bears a six-armed Pyrenean Chrismon carved in low relief. The altarpiece and stele thus represent different forms of sacred art: a Romanist depiction of a saint and a relief-carved Chrismon. Artariáin’s history brings together a legal act from the 13th century and artistic and architectural evidence from several centuries. In low relief, the design projects only slightly from the stone surface.

Two Chapels, Two Connections to the Town

The Chapel of San Pelayo stands on the summit of the mountain of the same name and has medieval origins. It was rebuilt in the early 17th century. Amatriain, Artariáin and Orísoain share its use. Santa Lucía was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style and is now located beside Artariáin’s old cemetery. The chapels therefore differ in their location, architectural history and use.

MTB Routes to San Pelayo

MTB Route 7, “San Pelayo,” runs from Artariain through the Ariztonborraga area to the ascent. MTB Route 20, “El Pecho de las Hayas,” includes the climb to San Pelayo from Artariain. This difference in the described routes is useful when narrowing down your options: Route 7 names Ariztonborraga as an area along the way, while Route 20 specifically describes the ascent from Artariain to San Pelayo. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Corella, Arruazu, Etxauri, Monteagudo, Beintza-Labaien, Azcona, Cabanillas, Miranda De Arga

For the broader travel guide: Navarra.