A 1.5-kilometre path along the shore of La Balsa de la Morea offers a practical way to go for a walk in Beriáin. The parish church of San Martín and the necropolis of San Esteban open a window onto other chapters of the town’s history. Thus, paths by the water and historical themes stand alongside each other as different reasons to choose this destination.

Churches and historical layers

The parish church of San Martín is a place of worship of medieval origin. In the 16th century, it was extensively remodelled in the Late Gothic style, giving it its present appearance. The main altarpiece was made by Martín de Echeverría in the first half of the 17th century. What makes it particularly interesting from the perspective of art and architectural history is the combination of these periods: the building and its furnishings represent different chapters.

Local tradition also links San Martín with Pamplona Cathedral. Three bishops are said to have consecrated the parish church on the eve of the cathedral’s consecration. The story is part of local tradition and adds a tale passed down through the generations to the church’s historical layers.

The church of Santo Cristo del Perdón provides a more recent historical marker: it was built around 1963 by Empresa «Potasas de Navarra, S.A.» to serve the spiritual needs of its staff. This extends the town’s religious history into the mid-20th century. Technical remains are also among Beriáin’s historical features. The Caseta de decantación and the first sections of the Noáin Aqueduct are included in the municipal catalogue of historic, artistic or environmental buildings and features worthy of protection. The aqueduct’s water conduit ran underground through Beriáin, with Arcas marking its route.

Remembrance and archaeological traces

The Parque de la Memoria de Beriain is dominated by the large sculpture Cielo de tierra by Ramón Llamas. It is dedicated to all victims of Francoist violence. The park is open to the public; check access before your visit.

The necropolis of San Esteban was used mainly between the 11th and 13th centuries. A total of 330 graves were found there; what remains is a remnant comprising three graves. The number of finds should therefore be distinguished from the three graves that remain. If you plan to visit the necropolis, check locally before travelling to find out whether the surviving remains can be visited.

Water and leisure

La Balsa de la Morea is listed in the Wetlands Inventory of Navarre. A 1.5-kilometre path runs along its shore and is suitable for walking; bathing and swimming are also possible leisure activities. This means there are different ways to enjoy the same place: a route along the shore and time spent in the water. Its listing in the inventory adds an ecological perspective to these leisure options.

A fixed date in the annual calendar

The Txinurri tradition takes place every year on 1 November. After the main Mass, children walk through the streets of the old town asking for chestnuts. The fixed date and the post-Mass activities are useful points of reference if you would like to plan your stay around this local tradition.

Discover more destinations: Arantza, Uterga, Garísoain, Marcilla, Zariquiegui, Tirapu, Salinas De Oro, Arróniz

For the broader travel overview: Navarra.