Discover Azcona through its striking architectural forms and a route through the Barranco de Erendazu. Highlights include the former parish church of San Martín, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Mendigaña and the Palacio de Azcona. When planning your stay, you can decide whether to focus mainly on sacred architecture, historic buildings or a hike.

Churches and Architectural History

The former parish church of San Martín was built in the early 13th century in the Proto-Gothic style, with Cistercian influences. Its portal has a pointed arch with three archivolts; a Chrismon is set at the apex. When examining the architecture, these details draw attention to the structure of the portal: the arch, its stepped surrounds and the central element at the top.

The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Mendigaña traces its origins to a medieval chapel that was demolished in the early 18th century. Inside, the vaults are covered with abundant vegetal stuccowork. Their design recalls the style of Juan Ángel Nagusia and his circle. The basilica’s historical origins and the ornamented decoration of its vaults are both key features.

Opposite the church stands the Palacio de Azcona, a 17th-century building made of ashlar stone. It consists of two sections and an attic; small cubic turrets on either side provide a striking accent. Coats of arms dating from the 19th century adorn the façade. The church and the palace can be compared directly: here, a portal with an arch and archivolts; there, a stone building with turrets and coats of arms.

Santa Catalina de Alejandría

Santa Catalina de Alejandría also offers its own architectural and art-historical perspective. The portal dates from around 1200 and is designed in a simple pointed-arch Cistercian style. A Romanesque-style carving of Santa Catalina de Alejandría is kept in the parish church of Azcona. The portal and carving offer contrasting accents, complementing the impressions made by the other religious buildings.

A prior appointment is required for a guided visit to Santa Catalina de Alejandría. Check before your visit whether an appointment is possible.

Route and Landscape

The route through the Barranco de Erendazu starts on the road between Arizala and Azcona, before the entrance to Azcona, and follows the entire ravine. Alongside exploring architectural forms, a hike through the ravine is another option for your trip.

Other historical and landscape features include the remains of the settlement of Arrastia, which lie in a clearing with large holm oaks, and the Pasada de los Carboneros. The latter forms part of the Cañada Real Tauste-Andía. These details offer different perspectives on Azcona: its religious buildings and palace reveal specific architectural features, while the route, settlement remains and Pasada highlight other aspects of the village and its surroundings.

If you are considering a stay in Azcona, this distinction can help you choose a focus: you can centre your visit on churches and architecture, or include the route through the ravine in your plans. Details such as the portal designs, stuccowork and palace bring the cultural focus to life.

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For the main travel overview: Navarra.