Berriozar: Holiday Apartment between Monte Ezkaba and the Old Town

The landscape of the municipality of Berriozar comprises Monte Ezkaba–San Cristóbal, an agricultural zone in between with the old settlement core of Berriozar, as well as an urban zone consisting mainly of housing, services and industry.

Nature and Trails

An easy 8.05-kilometre circular hike leads through Berriozar and takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes; it begins on Calle de San Agustín. The Hazitxo Trail is a two-kilometre adventure trail on Monte Ezkaba focusing on local themes, mythology and nature, and begins next to Escuela Mendialdea. Its figures convey the history of Berriozar, respect for nature and mythological motifs such as Mari, Basajaún and Eguzkilore, while also depicting animals. In the Espartzeta area there is a memorial book commemorating the place where five people were shot during the escape from San Cristóbal.

A municipal mountain trail leads from Berriozar to Eltxumendi; from the summit, there are views of the Pamplona basin and the surrounding valleys. The Path of Memory is an 8.24-kilometre memorial trail with eleven notable stations that conveys the events of the 1938 escape through the landscape. The Camino del Agua was the route from Berriozar to the fort; on visiting days, women used it to bring food and clothing to the prisoners. The different route lengths and themes can be considered side by side for personal planning. The municipal sports facilities also include a climbing hall where visitors can climb and training courses are offered for all age groups.

History in the Townscape

The washhouse of Berriozar was built in 1745 and has three water channels; the middle and largest one is popularly known as “Zorroka”. Early in the morning, women collected clean, unused water there and washed coloured and white laundry. In the afternoons, the site served as a playground for children. Laundry care included the “jabonada” and the “colada”; in 1880, there were 13 professional washerwomen in Berriozar.

Palacio Ezpeleta is also known as Casa Kataxar (Alkate zahar) and has private access. Virgen Nuestra Señora del Sagrario is a Romanesque image from the 12th century that was formerly located in the old Ermita de Donamaría outside Berriozar.

The Iglesia de San Esteban del Casco Antiguo is a simple building from the end of the 12th century with a rectangular floor plan, a straight-ended chancel, a large prismatic tower structure, pointed-arch arcades, simple rib vaults and a pointed-arch portal from the end of the 12th century. Chapels and a sacristy were added in the 16th century, and a portico in the 18th century. Its main altar, dating from 1643, is attributed to Martín de Echeverría and is considered the temple’s most significant sculptural work, as well as a transition between Romanism and Baroque. The traditional dance of the Mayordomos is a ceremony characteristic of Berriozar.

Festivals and Local Traditions

The giants and big-head figures of Berriozar are now displayed at local festivals and gatherings. The four giants Pamplonica, Poxpolina, Kaxero and Kaxera were commissioned by the Ayuntamiento in 1984 from a factory in Zaragoza; they represented four Navarrese festive costumes. Día de Berriozar has been held since 2000 on the fourth Saturday in May at Plaza Eguzki and includes a craft fair, a gathering of lace-makers and a tasting of talos. On Saturday mornings, there is also a public book exhibition for children and adults, as well as an environmentally themed craft workshop for children.

The tradition of the San Juan bonfires in Berriozar includes bonfires on the night of 23–24 June, the ringing of the bells of the “joaldunak”, fanfare music, young people jumping over the fires and older people grilling chistorra. The San Isidro celebration is rooted in the old town of Berriozar and takes place on the Sunday closest to 15 May; after a procession and the blessing of the fields, a communal meal is served to those gathered.

Holiday Apartment and Arrival

Municipal bus route 17 connects Mutilva and Berriozar. When choosing a holiday apartment in Berriozar, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can be checked side by side on the respective offer page. This keeps the details of the specific listing, the desired travel period and the agreed terms in view together before accommodation is selected.

Other Places in Navarre

Los Arcos, Ilzarbe, Javier, Roncal, Urdax, Leoz, Urdániz and Estella

For the higher-level travel overview: Navarre.