Cirauqui on the Way of St. James: Medieval Paths and Wine

Cirauqui lies on the Way of St. James between Puente la Reina and Estella. The town combines a medieval town center with historic sections of the route, structures and local traditions.

Townscape

The town center preserves significant remains of medieval walls and gates. Ascending streets and circular rings converge at the Church of San Román. The medieval town ensemble extends from San Román across the slopes of the hill; its medieval outer boundary was formed by a circular fortification wall. The Way of St. James enters the town through a medieval gate.

Culture

The Church of San Román is a Romanesque church from the early 12th century and was remodeled in the 17th century. To visit it, the key must be requested from the parish priest. The Church of Santa Catalina de Alejandría dates from the Middle Ages and is used only a few times a year.

The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Ániz was originally the parish church of the medieval settlement of Aniz, which had already been abandoned in the 16th century. The building is located on the N-111 from Pamplona to Logroño, 1.5 kilometers before Cirauqui, and can be reached from Cirauqui via a path running parallel to the N-111.

Historic Routes

The Roman bridge of Cirauqui was altered in the Middle Ages, but preserves its original structure in the lower section and a semicircular arch with a span of 8.2 meters. It is 2.5 meters wide; sections of the ancient road have been preserved in front of and behind the bridge. At the edge of the town, the bridge lies on the Way of St. James beside a pilgrims' fountain. The medieval Calzada del Camino de Santiago, which lies on the Way of St. James, is also located at the edge of the town.

The Calzada de Iguste connected the Guesálaz Valley via Maldabelz with the Roman city of Andelos in Mendigorría. The historic route is approximately 3.5 kilometers long and is in good condition. Another link to the town's history is provided by the Puente de Lorca, a medieval bridge from the 12th century with two pointed arches. Sections of the old road belonging to the Way of St. James have been preserved beside it.

The La tierra del Carlismo route also leads to Cirauqui, a medieval town with stone gates and winding streets. Different route lengths and historic architectural forms provide distinct focal points for planning.

Traditions

The Día del vino de Cirauqui is organized every year as an event centered around wine; it includes visits to wineries. At the beginning of May, a pilgrimage takes place in Cirauqui to the Ermita de San Cristóbal, located on Monte Esquinza.

On February 4, the Santa-Águeda tradition in Cirauqui includes a choir of children, young people and adults who sing songs at dusk.

Further destinations

Artajona, Aribe, Alsasua, Barañáin, Meoz, Mutilva Baja, Tafalla, Azuelo

To the higher-level travel overview: Navarre.