A medieval bridge over the Ameztia, boxwood craft and forest trails give Oiz a variety of cultural and scenic highlights. There is also a church with several phases of construction, as well as recurring festivals. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the town’s features and events held throughout the year.

Boxwood Craft and Forest Trails

Oiz’s boxwood-working tradition includes kaikus, wooden clogs, spoons, spindles, walking sticks and crooks. Several craftspeople continue the local tradition. The various objects illustrate the range of traditional boxwood craftsmanship, from spoons and clogs to sticks and staffs.

Walking trails around Oiz pass through beech, boxwood and oak forests. This means a visit need not focus solely on architectural history and art: the forest trails are a highlight in their own right.

Bridge, Church and Historical Heritage

A medieval bridge built of ashlar stone spans the Ameztia River. Ashlar consists of worked stone blocks fitted together to form a clearly defined structure. Remains of the old tower have also been preserved in Oiz. The first mention of the town appears in a document dating from 1366.

The Church of the Nativity was built in the 16th century and partially remodelled in the 18th century. Its floor plan follows the shape of a Latin cross: it comprises a nave with two bays, a transept and a straight-ended chancel. The description thus specifies both the overall plan and the layout of the church interior. The church houses a Romanesque-style depiction of Saint Tiburtius from the early 17th century. A processional cross carved around 1600 also comes from the parish of San Tiburcio.

The historical heritage spans several periods: the bridge is medieval, the church dates from the 16th century and was later partially altered, while the cross and depiction date from around 1600 and the early 17th century, respectively. These specific dates help place Oiz’s architectural history and religious art in context.

Waterways and the Natural Landscape

The Anizpe and Ameztia streams meet in Oiz to form the Ezpelura. The course of the Ameztia is also relevant to the boundaries of the ZEC “Río Bidasoa”: it includes the stretch of stream from its confluence with the Olatzu in Labaien to its confluence with the Anizpe. These waterways offer a second perspective on the landscape around Oiz alongside its forest trails.

Festivals and Laxoa Throughout the Year

Oiz’s patron saint festivities are dedicated to the Nativity. The main day is usually September 8, with celebrations held on the weekend close to that date. Carnival celebrations take place in February, and their dates vary from year to year. If you are planning your trip around one of these events, check the specific date before making arrangements.

Laxoa is also part of the region’s cultural life. It is considered the oldest form of pelota. A regional championship is held every year between spring and summer, with various towns hosting the qualifying rounds. Championship matches can usually be watched on weekends, though match dates vary. If you would like to watch a game, it is worth checking the schedule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Azagra, Basaburua, Cascante, Ayegui, Oláibar, Espinal, Gorraiz, Azcona

For the main travel guide: Navarra.