DESCRIPTION AND WHAT TO SEE IN THE MANOR OF BERTIZ
The Bértiz Valley, from its beginnings to the nineteenth century, has been property of the Señorío de Bértiz. In 1392, Pedro Miguel Bértiz It was named Merino of the Mountains by King Charles III the Noble. In 1421, he was granted a shield with a lamia or mermaid as a symbol. Through generations, the property passed from Pedro Miguel to his direct descendants. For most of his history, the Bértiz Manor it has been a private estate, which has protected it from intensive exploitation in contrast to its surroundings. In the 19th century, there was a more frequent change of ownership and a more haphazard exploitation of the forest and valley resulted.
En 1898, Ciga-Fernández marriage acquired the Señorío de Bértiz. Pedro Ciga and Dorotea Fernández carried out various reconstructions and improvements, such as the reconstruction of old palace, the construction of the access bridge and the creation of a garden with romantic and modernist influences. They were also dedicated to the management of the forest and the conservation of the nature of the valley, which allowed the existence of a spectacular beech forest.
En 1949, Pedro Ciga bequeathed the Señorío de Bértiz to Navarra and, in particular, to the Provincial Council, with the condition of conserving it without altering its natural characteristics. In 1984, the Government of Navarra declared the area as a Natural Park at the proposal of the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Forestry. Currently, the management of the Señorío de Bértiz Natural Park falls on the Department of the Environment, Territorial Planning and Housing.
Palace
It is a magnificent residence located in the heart of the park. This impressive construction, which dates back to seventeenth century, exhibits an architecture stately and elegant. Its spacious rooms, its ornamental details and its beautiful gardens reflect the grandeur and splendor of yesteryear. It is an emblematic place that represents the history and beauty of the Señorío de Bértiz.
Bértiz Botanical Garden
This garden houses an extensive collection of plant species, some of them rare and protected. Visitors can enjoy walks among ancient trees, waterfalls and corners full of color and fragrance. It is an ideal place to connect with nature and admire the botanical diversity of the region.Read more
Trails and routes
Explore the various trails that wind through the park, allowing you to delve into lush forests, cross river bridges and discover hidden waterfalls, while enjoying the tranquility of nature. You have short routes around the palace, or you can ascend the mountain to the Aizkolegi palace.
Viewpoints
See impressive panoramic views from the park's different viewpoints, such as the Basaula Viewpoint, which offers an exceptional view of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Bértiz Waterfalls
Let yourself be captivated by the beauty of the waterfalls that adorn the park. The Urdax waterfall and the Belate waterfall are two of the most notable, where the water falls in the middle of an exceptional natural environment.
Fauna and Flora
The Bértiz Garden, with more than 100 years of history, is one of the greatest treasures of the Natural Park. Its winding paths and imposing trees, hedges and flower beds make it a charming place. The garden is home to a wide variety of native and exotic species, including sweetgums, yews, cypresses, redwoods, cedars, camellias, azaleas, wisteria and bamboo. In addition to its botanical wealth, the garden stands out for its landscape settings, which include ponds, bridges, gazebos and architectural elements such as the viewpoint and the chapel, which reflect the beauty of the Art Nouveau style of the late 115th and early XNUMXth centuries. It is a place of exceptional beauty that provides a unique experience to visitors. Inside the park you will find a Giant Sequoia. An imposing species of tree native to the Pacific coast of North America, known to be the tallest trees in the world. A notable example is the specimen called Hyperion, which stands at a height of XNUMX meters. Redwoods are also known for their longevity, being able to live for thousands of years. Its presence in the park adds additional appeal and offers visitors the opportunity to marvel at these impressive natural wonders.
The Aizkolegi Palace
It is an impressive construction now in ruins, ordered to be built by D. Pedro de Ciga, the last owner of Bértiz. With stately architecture and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this historic palace is a witness to past splendor and offers visitors a taste of the grandeur of bygone eras.
Interpretation Center
Located in the Tenientetxea hamlet, its main objective is to provide knowledge and understanding of the natural values of the Natural Park. Through its information, visitors can understand the conservation objectives, structure and functioning of the ecosystems of the Natural Park and other natural spaces of interest. The center offers a complete educational experience with interactive exhibits, information panels and audiovisual resources.