A tradition of pigeon-catching dating back to the Middle Ages and buildings from different centuries give Etxalar a distinctive cultural and historical character. The Palomeras preserve a traditional method of catching pigeons with nets; alongside them are a medieval tower, religious buildings, megalithic monuments and traces of historic water use. This diversity brings together different aspects of the town’s history and provides a thread to follow as you explore Etxalar.
Between the Tower, Church and Chapel
The Gaztelu Tower stands above the Tximista River. It was built in the Middle Ages and rebuilt in the 18th century. It served a military function as an arsenal of the Kingdom of Navarre; today, the tower is privately used. Its history thus spans different periods, while its private use remains an important condition for visitors.
The stone church of Andra Mari stands in the centre of Etxalar. Its floor plan is shaped like a Latin cross; at first, it was known as the “church between two rivers.” A collection of almost one hundred grave steles is displayed in the church’s two gardens, at the main entrance and at the rear. It is one of the most significant collections in the Basque Country and adds a distinctive perspective on stone memorial culture to the architecture.
The Chapel of Santa Cruz is also located on the Tximista, in the Urritzokieta neighbourhood. It is Etxalar’s only chapel and was built between 1500 and 1550. The town’s oldest traditional houses date from the 15th to the 17th centuries. These include, in particular, Iñarreta, Jauregieta and Anduetzeta, as well as another house in the Antsolokueta neighbourhood. Together, these buildings show that the town’s history is not limited to a single building or period.
Prehistory and the Palomeras
Megalithic monuments dating back 2,500 to 3,000 years lie on the slopes of the Iratzako and Centinela mountains. The cromlechs on the summit of Centinela are among Etxalar’s best-known prehistoric remains. These prehistoric traces offer a different point of reference in time from the medieval buildings and houses from later centuries.
The Palomeras of Etxalar preserve a traditional method of catching pigeons with nets. Their origins date back to the Middle Ages; the method was first documented in 1378. It is unique on the Iberian Peninsula. In recognition of their age and distinctive character, the Government of Navarre designated the Palomeras an Asset of Cultural Interest in 2010. Tradition and protected cultural status are therefore among the town’s defining historical features.
Watermills, Ironworks and Interpretation
Etxalar’s water-related architectural heritage includes watermills scattered throughout the town. The oldest date from the 18th century, while the most recent is from the mid-20th century. At the Baztan estate on the banks of the Altxata, remains of the upper ironworks have also been preserved: the building, the furnace and the channel. These different traces bring the historic use of water and earlier iron production to light as distinct aspects of the town’s history.
A historic watermill is a place of cultural and historical interest. Two routes lead to it: one from Etxalar and one from the Baztan Valley. The Lizarieta Environmental and Migratory Bird Interpretation Centre is also located in Etxalar. Its exhibition includes explanatory panels, videos created specifically for the centre, and objects and items connected with Etxalar’s culture and cultural memory. Visitor arrangements may vary; check the conditions in advance.
Getting to Etxalar
The main road access is via the N-121-A, which connects Pamplona and Irún, followed by the regional road NA-4400. From there, it is four kilometres to the town. Road conditions may change, so check your route before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Orikain, Falces, Eslava, Jaurrieta, Cizur Menor, Saragüeta, Cabanillas, Esnoz
For the full travel guide: Navarre.
