Dicastillo: Churches, Montejurra and Regional Traditions

Dicastillo combines its location at the southern foot of Montejurra with a historic centre on a hill. Three quarters are connected by steep medieval streets and stairways.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Dicastillo, you can compare travel dates, length of stay, room category and cancellation policies side by side on the respective offer pages and decide on the combination you want for your stay before choosing a specific accommodation.

Culture and History

In 1844, five altarpieces from Irache Monastery, which had been secularised and finally abandoned by the Benedictines in 1839, were transferred to Dicastillo parish church. The main altar of the Church of San Emeterio and San Celedonio is designed in the Romanist style and dates from the early years of the 17th century. It houses the Romanesque image of Santa María la Real de Irache, dating from the late 12th or early 13th century. The church was built in the 16th century in the style of the Catholic Monarchs; the portal, tower and surrounding wall were added in the 18th century. Its floor plan follows the shape of a Latin cross, and a small Gothic crypt lies beneath the sacristy.

Historic Sites

The Virgen de Nievas hermitage dates from the 16th century and was renovated in the 18th century. It stands on a small hill near Dicastillo. Of the former Monastery of San Pedro de Gazaga, only the Gothic church remains near Dicastillo. The surviving church features remarkable columns and capitals, two funnel-shaped rose windows and a three-part vault. The Hermitage of San Pedro de Gazaga in Dicastillo is listed as a Bien Inventariado (BI); its surroundings have been placed under protection.

Traditions and Architectural Heritage

The San Blas celebrations include a recipe tradition for Rosquillas de San Blas that has been preserved over generations. A local tradition involves blessing the fields from the church wall, as well as a procession carrying the saint and the Virgen de Nievas to the Nievas hermitage. The neo-Gothic Palacio de la Condesa de la Vega del Pozo was built around 1890.

Trails on Montejurra

Montejurra Bizi connects Dicastillo and Arellano in a network of nature trails around Montejurra. The offering includes hiking, Nordic walking, trail running and mountain biking. In the Dicastillo area, there is also an XCO circuit that is used annually to host a race and can be ridden all year round. On the La Fuente del Toro route, a large part of the ascent follows a winding path through holm oaks; the final section is very steep. The different activity types and trail characteristics can be compared according to personal preferences and time planning.

Regional Events and Flavours

The Dicastillo Asparagus Fair takes place every year in May and includes a public tasting of fresh asparagus. Visitors are offered several hundred kilograms of white asparagus from Navarre to sample. The asparagus fair also includes a crafts fair and a food fair. Visits to Bodegas Emiliano Valerio-Laderas de Montejurra require advance booking.

More places: Acedo, Erro, Bakaiku, Gorraiz, Uterga, Tiebas-Muruarte de Reta, Isaba, Arróniz

For the higher-level travel overview: Navarre.