Marcilla combines a distinctive local history with paths through river and steppe landscapes. The Castillo tells the story of a palace-like residence of the Marquises of Falces; walks lead to wetlands, clay cliffs or a viewpoint overlooking the Río Aragón. When planning, you can therefore treat cultural sites and nature trails as separate highlights—or include both sides of the town in your trip.
Castle and architectural history
The Castillo de Marcilla was built in the 15th century by Mosén Pierres de Peralta and served as a palace-like residence for the Marquises of Falces. Restoration work lasted from December 2008 to April 2012. The Castillo is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural and has been owned by the Government of Navarra since 1976. Its construction, use as a residence and subsequent restoration are distinct chapters in its history.
Guided tours take place on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 12 noon. Check the schedule before you travel. The Castillo also occasionally hosts theatrical tours; check current announcements for details. A historical exhibition explores the dynastic conflict that shook Navarra in the 15th century in three thematic sections. Check in advance what access arrangements apply to the exhibition.
Monastery and chapel
The Monasterio de Santa María, the Convento de Agustinos Recoletos, is a brick complex dating from the last quarter of the 18th century. Its style is described as Baroque-classical; the complex includes a centrally located church and a cloister. The museum includes a permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions. If you would like to visit, check access arrangements in advance.
The Ermita de la Virgen del Plú is also located in the old town. Its existence is documented from 1474; the building was rebuilt in the 17th century. Marcilla thus brings together different historical landmarks: the medieval castle, the monastery built later and a chapel whose history dates back to the 15th century.
Paths between river and steppe
The Camino Verde RAN passes through Marcilla and connects the town with Funes, Peralta and Falces. Many sections run through the so-called “Territorio Visón”. The Camino de la Veracrúz has a different connection to Marcilla: one section of this route passes through the town. Both names can help you choose a route, but they need not be combined into a single local loop.
The walks through the countryside vary considerably in focus. The Paso de los Cortados runs along the right bank of the Río Aragón and offers views of clay cliffs, as well as opportunities to watch birds of prey. La Planilla crosses a distinctive steppe landscape, where some endangered bird species can be spotted. The walk over the Montico passes through areas reforested in recent years and ends at a viewpoint overlooking the Río Aragón. Depending on the route you choose, the focus is on the river landscape, the steppe or the view from the lookout.
The walk to the Laguna de la Isla also leads to a wetland by the river. It is maintained and is part of the Life Visón project. Each of these paths gives Marcilla’s natural surroundings a different focus: opportunities to watch wildlife by the cliffs, the steppe landscape at La Planilla, reforested areas along the route over the Montico, and the wetland by the river. To choose your day’s itinerary, you can decide which landscape you would most like to explore.
Discover more destinations: Rada, Abaurrepea / Abaurrea Baja, Iturmendi, Ibero, Galbarra, Asiáin, Berriozar, Telleria.
For the broader travel overview: Navarra.
