The route to Punta de las Viejas begins behind the church. It leads to the grassy areas of Santa Bárbara, with views of the Pyrenees. You can also discover Roncal through circular routes, churches, chapels and the art history surrounding tenor Julián Gayarre. This gives you different options when planning your visit: a scenic route, a more challenging circular hike or a visit focused on buildings and historic works of art.
Hiking trails with different destinations
The route to Punta de las Viejas leads from its starting point behind the church to the grassy areas of Santa Bárbara. Views of the Pyrenees are among the sights described along this route. Another option is the more challenging circular hike to Pico de Argible. It leads to the summit; on the return, the route follows the trail between Roncal and Vidángoz. The more challenging nature of this circular hike is an explicit point to bear in mind. The Punta route, by contrast, is defined by its destination at Santa Bárbara and views of the Pyrenees.
The Miradores de Roncal circular route offers another focus: it leads to notable places in the town and to viewpoints, including Peña Guagüeso. The routes therefore differ in their stated destinations—grassy areas, a summit or viewpoints in town. Check local conditions before setting out. Plan your trip according to the route and local conditions.
Buildings and art history
The Mausoleum of Julián Gayarre has a clearly dated history: sculptor Mariano Benlliure Gil created it in Rome in 1895; it was installed in Roncal in 1901. In 1996, the mausoleum was recognized as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). The work of art, its location and its later recognition give the mausoleum several historical points of reference.
The Iglesia de San Esteban was built largely in the 16th century in the Gothic-Renaissance style. The Ermita de la Virgen del Castillo also dates from the 16th century. It stands on elevated ground on the edge of Roncal. Its location and name could indicate an earlier fortification in the area. The chapel houses a Romanesque image of the Virgin Mary from the second half of the 12th century, flanked by sculptures of Saint Barbara and Saint Orosia from the 18th century. An altarpiece for the Ermita was commissioned from Francisco PejĂłn in 1738.
The Casa Museo Julián Gayarre is located in the tenor’s former birthplace. Objects relating to him and extensive documentation about his life are on display there. The focus is therefore on his life and work, while the mausoleum, as a distinct work of art, offers another facet of Gayarre’s story. Check the museum’s visiting arrangements before your visit.
Townscape, nature and regional cuisine
When walking around Roncal, changes in the street layout offer a useful guide: the streets are mostly narrow and cobbled, with some relatively flat sections and others that are very steep. Take these varying slopes into account when planning your walk.
The Roncal Nature Interpretation Centre spans three floors and uses panels, models, interactive games and a hologram. It shares its premises with the tourist office. If you plan to visit the centre or rely on current visitor services, check the applicable conditions in advance.
Roncal celebrates its patron saint festivals in mid-August for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. If your stay is planned around the festivities, check the exact dates and programme, as both may change. The culinary connection is broader geographically: in the Roncal Valley, sheep’s cheese with a protected designation of origin, shepherds’ breadcrumbs (migas de pastor) and wild mushrooms are among the traditional dishes. This regional tradition adds a culinary perspective on the valley to its trails and buildings; the availability of particular products or dishes may vary.
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Go to the main travel overview: Navarra.
