Urrizola-Galain brings together an art-historical landmark and several hiking options. At the Church of the Assumption, 13th-century architectural features meet Renaissance art; trails lead, among other places, to Epaizburu and the Ermita de Santa Lucía de Arañotz. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on church architecture, viewpoints or a particular hike.

Church and Local History

The Church of the Assumption is a stone Gothic building with a single nave and a flat-ended apse. A pointed barrel vault spans the apse above transverse arches. A protogothic portal dating from the early 13th century leads to the portico; the square stone bell tower also dates from the 13th century. The main altar features two Renaissance paintings on wooden panels from the first half of the 16th century. They probably come from the original altarpiece by Menaut de Oscariz.

Thus, 13th-century building features stand alongside works of art from several centuries later. The church is also considered one of the notable art-historical landmarks in the wider context of the Ultzama Valley. The village’s history also has a political dimension: Urritzola-Galain was a royal estate. In 1211, its dues were standardized under Sancho VII the Strong through a fuero.

Mountain Scenery and Hikes

Epaizburu reaches 837 metres. The ascent begins in the village square of Urritzola-Galain; in clear weather, the summit offers views of Olagüe, Lantz and Ziaurritz. A circular hike from Eltso leads from the summit of Epaitzburu to Urritzola-Galain and from there back to Eltso. In these route descriptions, the names Epaizburu and Epaitzburu refer to the same mountain.

Another hike leads from Urritzola to the Ermita de Santa Lucía de Arañotz. From the hermitage, you can climb to Mount Arañoz. Distant landmarks include the Sierra de San Donato, the Malloas, Sayoa and Adi. Conditions on the routes to Epaizburu and in the direction of Arañoz can change; check them before setting out. Visibility from Epaizburu also depends on the weather.

The communal mountains of Urritzola-Galain are part of Parque Micológico Ultzama. This 5,566-hectare forest area is of mycological interest. The main trails and paths through the communal mountains are signposted. The approach to Urritzola-Galain also passes through wide green fields. Depending on the season, cattle, deer and wild boar may be seen there.

Getting There and Regional Tradition

Urritzola-Galain is connected by a local road that joins the N-121-A between Pamplona and Behobia near Ostiz. For navigation, the junction at Ostiz is a specific reference point; this information does not give a journey time or distance.

The Ultzama Valley’s cuajada tradition is also part of the region’s character. This includes cuajada made with Latxa sheep’s milk and a smoky flavour. The tradition complements the art-historical and scenic themes that shape a trip to Urrizola-Galain.

Discover more destinations: Azagra, Gartzain, Estella, Fontellas, Arribe, Urzainqui, Tiebas-Muruarte de Reta, Artajona.

For the main travel overview: Navarra.