Gartzain has different neighborhoods, and we are going to visit them as we cross the forests. The one in Aintzano, at the top, has beautiful views and large farmhouses. The route takes us to the Ariztegi neighborhood, where we will find a hermitage, beautiful farmhouses and a laundry, a small ethnographic construction recently rehabilitated. On the way back we will take the path to Xubiondo, a place of singular beauty that runs alongside a stream and ancient stone walls full of moss.
Its most characteristic element is its head covered on the inside by an imposing semicircular shell vault made of reddish ashlar.
There are some of special interest such as the Oyar palace, next to the church. It is a superb building, with its semicircular portal, its staircase and its balcony with corbels.
In this small neighborhood with beautiful views is the Iturbide Palace, one of the first noble plots of Baztan, with an appearance very similar to that of a farmhouse.
Located in the Ariztegi neighborhood, among its large hamlets is the laundry, a small ethnographic construction recently rehabilitated.
Also in the Ariztegi neighborhood, there is a temple of medieval origin rebuilt in Auzolan, that is, with the help of everyone.
The road, in its final stretch, is a place of singular beauty, with the forest, the small stream and the stone walls full of moss.
– There is a parking area next to the church. You can visit first, going up the road, the Aitzano neighborhood, which has large farmhouses and a beautiful view of the valley.
– The route takes a path into the forest until it reaches the Ariztegui neighborhood. It may be that the road is not in good condition. The return is along a pleasant path next to a stream.
WHAT TO DO AROUND GARTZAIN