Murillo El Fruto: Culture, Trails and Holiday Apartments

Murillo el Fruto combines a pilgrimage held annually since time immemorial with traces of architectural history, trails and local gastronomy. The pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Santa María de Ujué takes place every year on the Sunday after the feast of Saint Mark on 25 April.

Culture and History

The Casa-Palacio de los Rada was founded by Juan de Rada in the second half of the 15th century. At the entrance, it preserves a Rada coat of arms from the 18th century; an inscription is affixed above it.

On the hill known as Altobarrio, the old town follows the course of the enclosure of the former castle. Part of the tower and several other remains of the castle have survived. Construction of the Iglesia de Santa María began in 1528 over a primitive proto-Gothic church dedicated to the Apostle Saint James. The present tower dates from the 17th century; its top is modern, and it was created by Juan de Landerráin.

One altarpiece contains a work by Pedro de Acéiz from 1588. Raimundo Lanas shaped the modern Navarrese Jota by adapting and revising older Jotas, as well as creating his own pieces. On 25 October 2025, the 35th edition of the Memorial Raimundo Lanas Jota Competition was scheduled to take place in Murillo el Fruto.

Trails and Landscape

The Cañada Real runs through the municipality from south to north. It begins in the town centre and extends 3.43 kilometres to the boundary with Ujué; its legally permitted maximum width is 80 metres.

The Cañada Real de Salazar connects the Pyrenean valleys with the southern areas of Navarre and the Bardenas Reales. Route 15 runs along it, a 5.5-kilometre circular trail. The starting point is at the crossing through Murillo el Fruto, in the open area beside Bar El Fruto. Different trail lengths and clearly named starting points provide various points of comparison for planning your day.

The climb to El Castillar offers panoramic views over Murillo el Fruto and the entire Aragón Valley. The route to Alto de Bigas is 16.1 kilometres long and is designed as a circular trail. The route from Murillo el Fruto to Alto de Bigas follows the Cañada Real to the summit and is recommended for mountain biking because of the condition and nature of the trails.

Local Traditions

At the Fiesta de la Guindilla, visitors taste peppers preserved in vinegar or traditionally marinated. The festival includes a local market with handmade products and workshops about the Guindilla. The Fiesta provides the general public with educational and inclusive access to the local gastronomic culture.

When comparing holiday apartments in Murillo el Fruto, you can compare travel dates, room categories and cancellation policies side by side on the offer pages and match them against the cultural, culinary and scenic highlights of your plans.

Other places: Barásoain, Rada, Tirapu, Gorraiz, El Bocal, Enériz, Fitero, Meoz

For the higher-level travel overview: Navarre.