Barásoain combines a distinctive palace history with a landscape explored along the Ruta de los Corrales. In the town, architecture and religious traditions take centre stage; the 21-kilometre route is a separate hiking option. This lets you consider the town’s history, gardens and a hike among wind farms as different highlights of your stay.
Palace history and buildings in the town centre
The Palacio de Azpilcueta was probably built over the birthplace of Martín de Azpilcueta, known as Doctor Navarro. Felipe II stayed at the Palacio in 1592 while travelling to sessions of the Cortes in Navarre and Aragon. Today, only the monumental façade remains; the wings with their courtyard and double galleries fell into ruin. A monument to Doctor Navarro stands in front of the Palacio. It was erected in 1992, marking five centuries since his birth.
Other houses display different periods of construction and façade details. The Casa de Olcoz y Remírez de Balanza, also known as Casa de Juanzar, dates from the first half of the 17th century. Its plain façade features ashlar stones in the central section. The house Olagüe y Lanz de Yribarren, dating from the late 16th century, stands in what is now Plaza de los Fueros. Those interested in architectural history can thus take in examples from several centuries as they explore the town.
The Ermita de Santa Lucía is in the town centre. It was founded in the early 16th century and moved to its present location in 1568 under the patronage of Martín de Azpilcueta. Inside are images of the chapel’s patron saint and Saint Bartholomew. The town’s history can therefore be traced not only through its houses and palace façade, but also through this religious building.
Gardens, walking area and hiking route
The botanical garden includes an organic vegetable garden and a medicinal plant garden. Its aromatic and medicinal plants include basil, stevia, mint, oregano, lemon verbena and rosemary. The two areas give the garden distinct focuses: vegetable growing in one, and a variety of herbs in the other.
Separate from these, the former washhouse and its surroundings have been developed as a walking area amid the region’s wild vegetation. They offer another connection to everyday life in Barásoain in the past. This distinction is useful for planning: the botanical garden and the landscaped area around the former washhouse are separate points of interest in the town, while the Ruta de los Corrales is a much longer excursion.
The Ruta de los Corrales starts in Barásoain, is 21 kilometres long and has 300 metres of elevation gain; its difficulty is moderate. It follows wide tracks between several wind farms, which shape the landscape in this part of Navarre. Plan it as a hike in its own right and check route conditions before setting off, as these can change. Wide tracks do not necessarily mean a particular walking time or a lower level of difficulty.
Pilgrimages and local traditions
The Virgen de Egipto is the patron saint of Barásoain. Her own chapel is at 4 Calle Doctor Navarro; for the annual novena and her feast day, the Virgen is brought to the parish church. Barásoain also opens the cycle of pilgrimages at the end of April, when people from the towns of Valdorba walk to a chapel. A pilgrimage includes an afternoon programme with Mass and a light meal, and offers a view of the grain fields ready for harvest. The timing may be adjusted locally.
After Mass, participants usually prepare lamb ribs roasted over vine wood for a communal meal. The municipality provides bread and wine; the specific arrangements may vary from year to year. This tradition combines eating together with a clearly described local custom, without needing to be tied to any one of the pilgrimages mentioned.
Music is also part of the town’s cultural history. The festival began in 2005 to mark the 100th birthday of musician Manuel Turrillas, who was born in Barásoain. Since 2016, it has been called the “Festival de música Manuel Turrillas” and, alongside other styles, includes jazz, soul, folk and country.
Barásoain in Valdorba
Barásoain is part of Valdorba, a valley of around twenty small towns and hamlets. In the Middle Ages, religious orders and pilgrims travelled through Valdorba along a branch of the Way of St James. This regional context adds a broader historical perspective to the local sights without turning the individual places into a fixed itinerary. Those interested in cultural heritage will find palace and house façades, a chapel and living religious traditions in Barásoain; those seeking a landscape-focused experience can consider the Ruta de los Corrales as a hike in its own right.
Discover more destinations: Oskotz, El Bocal, Azkarate, Larraga, Zugarramurdi, Lizaso, Uterga, Ochagavía.
For the main travel overview: Navarre.
