Lérruz is defined by its hillside setting and walled gardens. The medieval origins of the Church of San Pedro, a portal with a coat of arms and houses with arcades provide several architectural points of interest in the village.

Hillside Setting and Village Layout

The houses are grouped around walled gardens. Lérruz lies on a hillside at the foot of Mount Lakidain, whose elevation is given as 892 metres. The village is also on the left bank of a ravine that is a tributary of the Erro River.

Church of San Pedro

The Church of San Pedro has medieval origins. Its single-nave layout is divided into four sections. The nave is the main longitudinal space; a complex star vault is located above the straight-ended apse. The interior also contains a Romanist altarpiece dating from around the beginning of the 17th century. An altarpiece is the decorative structure behind the altar; at San Pedro, this part of the furnishings therefore dates from considerably later than the church's medieval origins.

The “ltúrbide” Building

The building known as “ltúrbide” has a main portal with a round arch. The keystone—the central stone at the top of the arch—bears a coat of arms with two wolves. The combination of the arch and the coat of arms brings together two specific details in a single architectural feature. The historic building also includes a dovecote tower, an old Gothic section with a more gently sloping roof, a farmhouse dating from the late 17th or early 18th century, and rear courtyards.

Houses and Inscriptions

Some 18th-century houses are well preserved and feature arcades made of nine voussoirs. Voussoirs are the wedge-shaped stones that make up an arch. A house dating from 1724 bears a notable inscription. Together, these examples show two ways to appreciate architectural details: the repeated form of the arcades and a single inscription with a specific date.

A Medieval Event

On 13 April 1258, King Theobald II placed the peasants of Lérruz, Lizoáin, Redín, Oscáriz and Leyún in the valley of Lizasoáin under royal jurisdiction. The event therefore concerns not only Lérruz but also four other places in the valley of Lizasoáin. It adds a specific glimpse of medieval political history to the architectural history.

Tradition and Practical Planning

Tradition records visits to the Ermita de San Miguel on 8 May and at Easter. The hermitage is in the area of Lérruz and is shared with Idoate. Local tradition also names 15 May as the feast day of San Isidro. These dates represent different local traditions; if you plan your trip around one of them, check locally whether it is taking place this year. If visiting the hermitage, you should also check access in advance.

Fortified Palace of Lérruz

The fortified Palacio fortificado de Lérruz is located on Calle de San Pedro. If you include this building in your plans, check access separately on site.

Discover more destinations: Yesa, Murchante, Leoz, Irurozqui, San Martín De Unx, Erro, Aspurz, Mués

For the main travel overview: Navarra.