WHAT TO SEE IN URDAX / URDAZUBI
“Urdax – Urdazubi” has all the sound of the Basque language, and the poetry of its meaning. “Ur”: river – “Zubi”: bridge. There are more words: “Urtxume”: humble river, and more sonorous places: “Ikaburu”, the beautiful caves through which Urtxume resonates and where drop by drop, from stalactite to stalagmite, time passes slowly but inexorably. In the 11th century, pilgrims arrived from Bayonne on their way to Santiago and to serve them, just before starting to climb the mountains, a pilgrim hospital and a prosperous monastery were built in Urdax. In the Middle Ages, the monks of the Monastery of San Salvador decided to divert part of the course of the Ugarana River to, through canals, run mills, produce flour and mold iron.
Among the countless attractions that the town has we have the Monastery and its cloister, the mill, the Ikaburu caves, a fauna interpretation center and an impressive landscape in which to enjoy life and leisure outdoors.
SAN SALVADOR MONASTERY – EXHIBITION
It began in the 11th century as a hospital for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago on their route through Baztán. It underwent numerous renovations and more than one devastating fire, its current image corresponding to the 16th and 18th centuries with influences from Renaissance architecture.
CHANNELS
In the Middle Ages the monks of the monastery diverted part of the Ugarana river bed to serve the mills. The canals and the reflection of the buildings in their waters are one of the most characteristic images of Urdax.
MILLS
They were used to obtain flour and to mold iron. Now there is only one left, which was built in the 18th century, and which has been conveniently renovated and continues to operate if only to satisfy the curiosity of tourists.
WILDLIFE INTERPRECTATION CENTER
The Wildlife Interpretation Center is located in the center of the town, next to the House of Culture, where you can see various animal species, as well as a flight demonstration of different birds.
INDIANS HOUSES
The Indianos were emigrants who, having made their fortune in America, returned to the land where they were born. In Urdax, the Indianobaita house, Donpedronea and the Mitxelena house stand out. Its stately air says a lot about the wealth and desire for notoriety of its owners.Read more
HOMES
The landscape of Urdax is that of its forests, its meadows and its beautiful houses. Robust buildings with gabled roofs, which in addition to housing, served as a stable for livestock and a granary. An example of a house adapted to life in the countryside.
HIKING
Starting from Urdax we will find several well-marked trails such as the Cuevas trail, the Otsondottiki trail, the return to Azkar or the Axular corner. Entering the forests is the best way to get to know the region and enjoy its beautiful landscapes.
URDAZUBI CAVES
Also known as Ikaburu caves, they are a spectacle for the senses. Man took refuge there more than 20.000 years ago. Nowadays it is the tourist who enjoys its calcareous formations on a mysterious walk next to the underground Urtxume River.
DANTXARINEA. THE LARGEST SHOPPING CENTER IN NAVARRA
Due to its location, next to the border, in Dantxarinea we find one of the largest commercial areas in Navarra. There you can buy everything at a good price, in addition to having a wide range of restaurants.
