On the steep slope of a hill, Pueyo combines distinctive church buildings with a landscape that stretches from the Río Cidacos to the surrounding ridges. The medieval Ermita de Santiago crowns the village; Route 22 leads from Siete Fuentes to springs, viewpoints and historic sites. Explore architecture and landscape through specific buildings and a clearly defined route.
Pueyo between the river and the ridges
The Río Cidacos runs through the municipality of Pueyo from north to south. Several ridges shape the surroundings, separated by ravines in marl and clay formations. Elevations range from 460 to 640 metres. The result is varied terrain of ridges and ravines.
The Ermita de Santiago stands at the highest point of Pueyo, overlooking the settlement. From there, the view extends across the Río Cidacos corridor and towards Tafalla and Ribera. Route 22 climbs to the viewpoint at the ermita; in suitable conditions, the “Montes de Valdorba” area, known for its importance to nature conservation, can also be seen from there.
Churches and art from different centuries
The Iglesia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora is a 13th-century Proto-Gothic building. Its single-nave layout belongs to the original design; late Gothic alterations date from 1625. The Baroque main altarpiece adds a later touch. Inside, the church also preserves a polychrome relief from the 16th century and an ornate stone baptismal font.
The rural Ermita de San Quirico y Santa Julieta also has a simple, easily recognised design: a rectangular floor plan and a pitched roof with wooden beams. Inside, remains of a Rococo altarpiece have been preserved, along with a holy-water stoup from the second half of the 18th century. An altarpiece in Pueyo was created by Juan López de Sanmartín in 1717. Its Solomonic columns frame a central niche containing a 17th-century depiction of Santiago.
The area’s history also includes archaeological finds on the Aranbero plateau. An investigation uncovered remains of an ancient wall and houses belonging to a settlement. They offer insights into life in Pueyo around 3,000 years ago. In September 2025, the Corral de Arambero was also inaugurated as a new information point about the natural environment.
Route 22: Springs, viewpoints and history
Route 22, “Fuentes, Miradores e Historia” (“Springs, Viewpoints and History”), starts at Siete Fuentes in Pueyo and is an 11.8-kilometre circular walk. The stated walking time is approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. This gives you a guide to how much time this particular hike may take when planning your day; the actual duration may differ from the estimate.
Along the way, the route passes four natural springs: Siete Fuentes, Fuente Aranbero, Fuente Valdetina and Fuente Turrustaldia. It also includes two panoramic viewpoints and several historically significant sites. The springs, the viewpoint at the Ermita de Santiago and the historic stops bring together natural and cultural heritage along the same circular route. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Getting there and patron saint festivals
The N-121 road connects Pueyo with Pamplona, Tafalla and other major cities in Navarre. The A-15 motorway runs parallel to the N-121 and has Exit 56 at Pueyo. Check road conditions and access to the motorway before travelling.
The patron saint festivals in honour of Saint James take place on 25 July. One festival programme includes a climb to the ermita with ALAI TALDEA and the Comparsa de Cabezudos, followed by a Mass in honour of the patron saint. Specific dates and activities may vary from year to year, so check the programme for the year of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Olite, San Adrián, Irurtzun, Etxauri, Beintza-Labaien, Urdax, Leitza, Eslava.
Return to the main travel guide: Navarra.
