Gallipienzo Antiguo – Culture, Nature and Holiday Apartments

The Church of San Salvador stands in Gallipienzo Antiguo and is protected as a cultural asset of particular interest under Regional Decree 230/1994 of 21 November.

Culture and History

The Gothic church has a nave covered by star vaults and a pentagonal apse resting on a Late Romanesque crypt. Gothic murals from San Salvador were transferred to the Museo de Navarra around 1950.

Since the late 18th century, the parish church of San Pedro has been the only parish church in Gallipienzo because it is more easily accessible. Its furnishings include choir stalls and a main altarpiece from 1629, both associated with the sculptor Juan de Berroeta.

The Roman Bridge of Gallipienzo over the Aragón River was reconstructed in the Middle Ages, in 1291 and 1454. Gallipienzo preserves its original medieval urban layout; the old town centre remained intact after Gallipienzo Nuevo was founded in the 1970s.

Special elevated passageways, which once connected the houses of the nobility, are still preserved in the streets of the old town. In 2017, Gallipienzo was one of the main filming locations for Terry Gilliam’s film The Man Who Killed Don Quixote starring Adam Driver and Jonathan Pryce.

Nature and Views

The cliffs of Caparreta and the mountains of Gallipienzo and Ujué contain several non-fluvial habitats. These include nine habitats of Community interest, particularly holm-oak forests, strawberry-tree groves, thyme scrubland, grassland and limestone cliffs.

The Caparreta Nature Reserve comprises two areas south and southeast of Gallipienzo, in the foothills of the Sierra de San Pedro. From Gallipienzo’s birdwatching viewpoint, visitors can observe cliff, riverside and scrubland birds, including griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, peregrine falcons and Bonelli’s eagles.

The Mirador de Gallipienzo offers a 360-degree panorama overlooking the Aragón River and the surrounding landscapes, including the Pyrenees, Baja Montaña, Sangüesa and the area around Ujué. A virtual tour of Gallipienzo is also available and can be accessed from any device.

Tours and Routes

Gallipienzo has two walking routes for exploring the town’s lanes, history and cultural heritage; PDF maps are available for the routes.

The Ruta Verde Gallipienzo is an easy, accessible circular route for Nordic walking. It runs from Gallipienzo Nuevo to the bridge at the entrance to the Caparreta natural area.

The Ruta Azul Kaparreta is an easy, accessible circular route that begins in Gallipienzo Nuevo, leads to the bridge at the entrance to the Caparreta natural area and enters it from the west through the foothills of the Sierra de San Pedro.

The cycling route Landscapes, Castles and Monasteries includes a variant that climbs up to Gallipienzo. A longer nature walk runs through the Caparreta Nature Reserve.

An easy, relaxing walk for families leads to the recently restored old Fuente Vieja spring and offers beautiful views.

Gallipienzo has a car park that is free for visitors to use. Because of its exceptionally clear night skies, the town is associated with astrotourism.

Other Places

Asiáin, Gartzain, Atondo, Orikain, Doneztebe, Arguedas, Undiano, San Martín De Unx

To the higher-level travel overview: Navarre.