In Zilbeti, an ecologically valuable beech forest, medieval traces and excursions with different landscape highlights come together. Nature and history offer two clear perspectives on the place. When choosing a route, the main consideration is whether you want to focus on views over the Erro Valley and towards the Pyrenees, or on a section through the beech forest in the Quinto Real area.

Beech Forest and Monte Alduide Protected Area

The Zilbeti beech forest is an area of high ecological value. It consists of more than 85,000 trees and provides refuge for endangered species such as the white-backed woodpecker.

The Monte Alduide Site of Community Importance ES2200019 was designated a Zona Especial de Conservación. It stretches from the municipality of Auritz-Burguete to the eastern end of Baztan and includes parts of Luzaide/Valcarlos, Auritz/Burguete, Aurizberri/Espinal, Valle de Erro, Zilbeti, Erro and Eugi, as well as parts of the areas of the Mancomunidad de Quinto Real/Kintoa, the Mancomunidad de Erregerena and the Mancomunidad de Oiarmendi. Monte Alduide is therefore a protected area that extends beyond the individual locality.

Church History and Romanesque Traces

In 1189, King Sancho VI the Wise gave the Church of Santa María in Zilbeti to the Hospital of Roncesvalles. The church became the seat of one of the hospital’s commanderies. Its connection with the hospital is reflected both in the grant and in the church’s role as the seat of a commandery. The statue dedicated to Saint Mary is attributed to the 16th century.

Other historical traces include the remains of the Monastery of San Zacarías, also known as La Ordena. They date from the 12th and 13th centuries and are considered Romanesque. A Romanesque portal has been preserved in a private house in the town centre. It is probably a trace of Zilbeti’s original medieval church. Together, the church, the monastery remains and the portal reflect different aspects of the town’s religious history.

Two Excursions with Different Highlights

The Zilbeti–Tiratun route offers views over the Erro Valley, towards the peaks of Artze and Aezkoa, and as far as the Pyrenees of Jacetania. The Zilbeti–Zorotepo excursion, by contrast, passes through the southern beech forest of the Quinto Real area. This gives you a clear distinction when choosing: Tiratun is about views across the valley, peaks and Pyrenees; Zorotepo is about a walk through the beech forest.

Practical Route Information for Zilbeti–Zorotepo

The Zilbeti–Zorotepo excursion is recommended year-round, except during the rainy season, as part of the route passes through a small ravine. A small car park for this route is located on the paved track branching off northeast of Zilbeti, about 500 metres from the town. Route conditions and parking rules may change; check the current situation before setting out.

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For the main travel overview: Navarra.