Two themes offer a guide to Murillo El Fruto: the town’s architectural history and the routes of the Cañada Real. The Cañada Real de Salazar connects the Pyrenean valleys with the southern areas of Navarre and the Bardenas Reales. This lets you decide whether to focus your stay more on the historic buildings or the routes.
Architectural history in the townscape
On the hill known as Altobarrio, the old town follows the course of the enclosure of the former castle. Part of the tower and other remains have been preserved. Construction of the Iglesia de Santa María began in 1528 on the site of a primitive Proto-Gothic church dedicated to the Apostle James. The present-day tower dates from the 17th century, is the work of Juan de Landerráin, and has a modern top. The former church, the start of construction, and the later tower mark different phases in the church’s history.
The Casa-Palacio de los Rada adds another layer to this historical perspective: Juan de Rada founded it in the second half of the 15th century. At the entrance is an 18th-century coat of arms of the Rada family, with an inscription above it. The restored Pozo del Hielo is another historic structure with a specific location. It lies on the eastern edge of Murillo El Fruto, at the end of Calle Calvario. Its cylindrical section, excavated into the ground, is 5.10 metres high and 3.90 metres in diameter. This means its height exceeds its diameter by 1.20 metres.
The Cañada Real and circular routes
The Cañada Real runs from south to north through the municipal area. Its local route starts in the town centre and continues for 3.43 kilometres to the boundary with Ujué. Its legally permitted maximum width is 80 metres. Route 15 on the Cañada Real de Salazar is a 5.5-kilometre circular route. It starts at the point where the route passes through Murillo El Fruto, in the open area beside Bar El Fruto. The climb to El Castillar offers panoramic views over Murillo El Fruto and the entire Aragón valley.
Another circular route option leads to Alto de Bigas: the route follows the Cañada Real to the summit and is 16.1 kilometres long. Given the condition and nature of the paths, it is recommended for mountain biking (MTB). The route lengths can be compared directly: 5.5 kilometres for Route 15 and 16.1 kilometres for the circular route to Alto de Bigas. If you plan to take Route 15, check the trail conditions before your trip.
Pilgrimage as an annual event
The pilgrimage to the Santuario de Santa María de Ujué is a yearly tradition in Murillo El Fruto that has been observed since time immemorial. It takes place on the Sunday after the feast of Saint Mark on 25 April. If you want to time your trip to coincide with the pilgrimage, check the local information for details of the current arrangements.
Discover more destinations: Urroz, Artajona, Los Arcos, Miranda De Arga, Cirauqui, Estella, Mélida, Berriozar.
For the main travel overview: Navarra.
