Izalzu: Gartxot Route, Forests and Local Traditions

The Gartxot Route begins in Izalzu, located in the Navarrese Pyrenees between Roncesvalles, Irati and Roncal. White and orange markings indicate the path; it circles the small Artoleta Valley and leads into the Irati Forest. Next to the sculpture of Gartxot and Mikelot is an information board with a description and a detailed map of the route.

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Trails and Nature

The SL-NA 66 Izalzu–Betatuberria-Osaba route is a 4 km forest trail with an elevation gain of 145 metres. After a short section along the road, it follows the Xinto streambed or gorge from Izalzu.

Landscape

The Izalzu–Ochagavía Facería covers 1,417.46 hectares, 22.61% of which belongs to the municipality of Izalzu. The area is characterised by pastures and beech forests. Izalzu’s main woodland areas include beech forests, oak forests and stands of Scots pine.

The Anduña River runs through the centre of Izalzu before joining the Salazar River at Ochagavía. After descending along a stream, the path reaches the Ripalda Waterfall. From the La Krutxea viewpoint, there is a view of the Pyrenean peaks of Mesa de los Tres Reyes and Pic d’Anie.

Culture and History

The Chapel of San José is associated with an old medieval monastery, which has been documented since the 11th century. Izalzu also preserves a local mythological tradition about Gartxot and Mikelot: father and son were known for their outstanding singing abilities. Elkorreta Cave is regarded as an important place for learning about the legend of Gartxot.

A machine-gun emplacement stands along the Gartxot Route and is considered evidence of the Gutiérrez Line. Between 1940 and 1944, defensive installations were built in this area using the labour of soldiers and prisoners.

Architecture and Church

The villagescape features Pyrenean architecture with detached houses, coats of arms and steeply pitched roofs designed to cope with heavy snowfall. A single-nave church has rib vaults, side chapels, a flat-ended chancel and a tower at the foot of the building.

Other places: Iza, Atondo, Carcastillo, Azcona, Berrioplano, Metauten, Villava, Bizkarreta-Gerendiain

Festivals and Customs

Izalzu holds a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Muskilda on Saint Christopher’s Day, the Sunday after 10 July. Izalzu’s patron saint festival takes place on the last weekend of June. For the Feast of Saint Blaise, as part of a San Blas tradition, bread, sugar and ring-shaped pastries were brought to the church for blessing. As part of a Muga tradition, shepherds from Navarre and Iparralde gathered for a shared meal.

To the main travel overview: Navarre.