Gallipienzo’s old town has preserved its original medieval layout. Gallipienzo Nuevo was founded in the 1970s. The focus in Gallipienzo Antiguo is therefore on local history and architecture; birdwatching, viewpoints and nature trails offer other themes for your trip.
Churches, bridge and medieval townscape
The Church of San Salvador is protected as a Cultural Property of Special Interest under Foral Decree 230/1994 of 21 November. Its Gothic structure has a nave covered by star vaults. The five-sided apse rests on a late Romanesque crypt. Gothic murals from the church were transferred to the Museo de Navarra around 1950.
Since the late 18th century, San Pedro has been Gallipienzo’s only parish church because it was easier to reach. The choir stalls and the main altar, dating from 1629, are attributed to the sculptor Juan de Berroeta. Gallipienzo’s Roman Bridge over the Aragón is also part of the town’s history: it was rebuilt in the Middle Ages, in 1291 and 1454.
The old town’s streets retain elevated passageways that once connected the houses of the nobility. Cinema offers another historical connection: in 2017, Gallipienzo was one of the main filming locations for Terry Gilliam’s film El hombre que mató a Don Quijote, starring Adam Driver and Jonathan Pryce.
Landscape and birdwatching
The Caparreta Nature Reserve comprises two areas south and southeast of Gallipienzo, in the foothills of the Sierra de San Pedro. Several non-riverine habitats can be found on the cliffs of Caparreta and in the mountains of Gallipienzo and Ujué. Nine of them are classified as habitats of community interest; these include holm oak forests, strawberry tree groves, thyme scrub, grassland and limestone cliffs.
The Gallipienzo birdwatching point offers the chance to observe birds of cliffs, riverbanks and scrubland. These include griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, peregrine falcons and Bonelli’s eagles. The Mirador de Gallipienzo offers a different perspective: its 360-degree panorama encompasses the Aragón and the surrounding landscapes, including the Pyrenees, Baja Montaña, Sangüesa and the area around Ujué. Gallipienzo’s clear night skies are also associated with astrotourism.
Walks and trails
Two routes offer the chance to discover Gallipienzo’s streets, history and cultural heritage. PDF maps are available for both. A virtual tour of Gallipienzo is also available and can be accessed from any device.
A longer nature walk passes through the Caparreta Nature Reserve. An easy, relaxed walk for families leads to the recently restored Fuente Vieja, the old spring, and offers lovely views. Check accessibility locally before setting out on either route.
Two easy, accessible circular routes for Nordic walking start in Gallipienzo Nuevo. The Ruta Verde Gallipienzo runs from there to the bridge at the entrance to the Caparreta natural area. The Ruta Azul Kaparreta also runs to the bridge and enters Caparreta from the west through the foothills of the Sierra de San Pedro. For cyclists, the Paisajes, castillos y monasterios route includes a variant that climbs up to Gallipienzo.
Practical information
The birdwatching point and the mirador offer different highlights: one focuses on birds of cliffs, riverbanks and scrubland, while the other offers wide-ranging views. Gallipienzo also has a car park that is free for visitors. This lets you include the town’s history, its views and its natural attractions in your travel plans according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Igantzi, Arrarats, Miranda De Arga, Oderitz, Artajona, Garaioa, Barañáin, Bakaiku.
See the wider travel guide: Navarra.
