The Church of San Martín de Tours shapes the townscape of Lesaka. Towers, monastic architecture and recurring festivals offer further ways to explore the town’s history; trails of varying lengths and elevation profiles add to the picture. This means you can get to know Lesaka through its architecture, a festival date or an outdoor excursion, depending on the reason for your trip.

Church, Towers and Monastic Architecture

San Martín de Tours is one of Navarre’s outstanding religious buildings. Construction began in 1561 and was completed in 1737, when the tower and façade were finished. The furnishings also include notable details: the Romantic-style organ was built in 1891 in Zaragoza by Manuel Roqués y hermano and partially rebuilt in 1950 by the Amezúa company. The organ, altarpieces and other items in the church are recognised as Bien de Interés Cultural (Assets of Cultural Interest).

Minddurenea Tower is thought to be Lesaka’s oldest surviving building; some archaeologists date it to the 14th century. Zabaleta Tower was built in 1444 and is a building with a military character. The medieval tower house of Zabaleta is not open to visitors. These buildings offer different insights into the town’s architectural history, although not all can be visited inside.

The Nuestra Señora de los Dolores Monastery is a significant example of 18th-century Carmelite monastic architecture. In the central niche of its surviving church façade is a depiction of Our Lady of Sorrows by Juan Adán. The monastery also houses the Centro del Hierro y la Forja, within the Lesaka tourist information centre. The medieval Bereau Bridge lies between Lesaka and Etxalar, about two kilometres east of Lesaka; it is recognised as historic-artistic cultural heritage.

Trails and Megalithic Culture

The routes differ considerably in length and elevation profile. The Vía Verde del Bidasoa is 42 kilometres long, almost flat and suitable for cycling and walking. Since June 2022, it has been connected to the town centre of Lesaka. The Lesaka–Frain route is shorter, at 2.5 kilometres, but involves a 450-metre climb and leads to a summit with a panoramic table.

The Agiña–Domiko walking trail passes the Agiña dolmen. The Agiña megalithic site, with tumuli, dolmens and cromlechs, is located in the area around Lesaka; the terrain is suitable for walking. Those interested in prehistoric structures will find a different focus here than on the Vía Verde or the route to Frain.

Festivals and Traditions Throughout the Year

The Sanfermines are Lesaka’s patron saint festival and take place from 6 to 10 July; 7 July is the main day. On that day, the Ezpatadantzaris perform the Zubigainekoa dance on the banks of the Onin. It commemorates a peace pact made by Lesaka’s neighbourhoods in the 15th century. The Zako Zar procession, also known as Zako-Zahar, is part of the Carnival programme: around 20 young men carry sacks of dry grass, and the traditional procession ends in the square. The Cinco Villas livestock fair has been held since 1499 under a royal privilege.

Lesaka is considered the birthplace of Olentzero. On 24 December, a competition featuring nativity scenes and Olentzero figures is held in Plaza Zaharra; groups carry the figures on their shoulders and sing two Christmas carols. For Corpus Christi, the streets are decorated and a procession is held. Diostesalve is a New Year’s Eve tradition: a group dressed in the clothing worn on Olentzero Day walks through the town and sings traditional tunes. For the feast of Saint Anthony on 17 January, the traditional pilgrimage to San Antón takes place on the following Sunday. Details of the annual programmes and events may vary.

Together, the fixed calendar dates and the choice between an almost flat route and a steep climb provide practical guidance for planning a stay in Lesaka.

Discover more destinations: Enériz, Lodosa, Sesma, Cizur Menor, Esnoz, Urzainqui, Isaba, Ezcároz.

For the wider travel overview: Navarre.