DESCRIPTION AND WHAT TO SEE IN OCHAGAVÍA
Ochagavía is a picturesque town located in the Navarra region, in northern Spain. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, and over the centuries it has witnessed various events and changes.
It is believed that the origin of Ochagavía dates back to the 12th century, when it was established as an important population center in the area. During the Middle Ages, the town was ruled by various noble families, such as the Beaumonts and the Ayanz. Read more
In the 18th century, Ochagavía experienced significant growth thanks to its strategic location on the Camino de Santiago. This led to the development of civil and religious architecture in the town, with the construction of churches and stately homes.
During the 19th century, Ochagavía experienced moments of turmoil and change. During the Carlist Wars, the town was affected by conflicts between the supporters of Carlos María Isidro de Borbón and the supporters of Isabel II. Despite this, Ochagavía maintained its charm and became an important tourist destination for visitors seeking to enjoy its natural beauty and traditional architecture.
Today, Ochagavía remains a popular tourist destination in Navarra. Its architecture of stone houses, cobblestone streets and medieval bridges give it a unique charm. In addition, its location in the Salazar Valley, surrounded by mountains and forests, makes it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
Medieval bridge or "stone bridge"
It is located on the Anduña River. This historic structure remains in pristine condition and is a testament to the engineering and aesthetics of bygone eras.
The Church of Saint John the Evangelist
Impressive architectural work that combines elements from different periods. Its origins date back to around the year 1200, and throughout the 1574th and XNUMXth centuries various modifications and additions were made. The interior of the church houses three Renaissance altarpieces of great artistic value, commissioned by Miguel de Espinal in XNUMX. These altarpieces, of considerable height and octagonal shape to adapt to the apse, consist of a bench, four bodies between columns and an attic.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Muskilda
Romanesque hermitage from the 1.025th century restored in the mid-XNUMXth century. Its plan is rectangular and its tower is covered by a conical roof. The Muskilda Sanctuary is located at the top of the mountain of the same name, at XNUMX m. Surrounded by a wall, the enclosure includes the hermitage and the house of the hermit and the chaplain.
Civil architecture
The civil architecture of Ochagavía is characterized by its traditional charm and its conservation of historical elements. The hamlet extends on both sides of the Anduña River, with stone houses and sloping flat tile roofs. Some of the most notable houses have wide gates and coats of arms.Read more
At the entrance to the town, at the point where the Zatoya and Anduña rivers meet, there is a stone cruise ship dating from the first half of the 16th century, an emblematic element that adds historical character to the place.
The stone houses are a typical construction of Ochagavía, with steep gabled or hipped roofs. These houses are separated by spaces called “etxekarte”, which creates a special layout in the hamlet.
Among the most notable buildings are the medieval palaces of Urrutia, Iriarte and Donamaría, which reflect the historical importance of the area. There are also emblazoned houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, which show the wealth and status of their owners at that time.
