Zilbeti – Nature, Trails and Romanesque Traces

Zilbeti tells its story through nature and history. The beech forest, historical names and trails through the landscape take center stage for you.

Nature

The Site of Community Importance ES2200019, named Monte Alduide, was designated as a Zona Especial de Conservación. It extends from the municipality of Auritz-Burguete to the eastern end of Baztan and includes parts of the areas of Luzaide/Valcarlos, Auritz/Burguete, Aurizberri/Espinal, Valle de Erro, Zilbeti, Erro and Eugi, as well as those of the municipal associations Mancomunidad de Quinto Real/Kintoa, Mancomunidad de Erregerena and Mancomunidad de Oiarmendi. The beech forest of Zilbeti is an area of high ecological value and consists of more than 85,000 trees. It provides refuge for endangered species such as the white-backed woodpecker.

Culture

In 1189, King Sancho VI the Wise handed over the church of Santa María in Zilbeti to the Hospital of Roncesvalles. The church became the seat of one of this hospital's commanderies. The statue dedicated to Saint Mary is attributed to the 16th century.

The remains of the 12th- and 13th-century monastery of San Zacarías, also known as the La Ordena monastery, are located in Zilbeti. The remains are considered Romanesque. A Romanesque portal has been preserved in a private house in the center of Zilbeti. It is probably considered a trace of Zilbeti's original medieval church. Different historical points of reference therefore exist side by side in the village: a church connected to the Hospital of Roncesvalles, a medieval monastery and a preserved portal.

For a holiday apartment in Zilbeti, travel dates, room category and cancellation policies can be compared according to your own schedule. This information provides an objective basis for different travel plans, in which the desired length of stay, choice of room and approach to changes may each be given different weight. The decision therefore remains guided by personal requirements rather than presupposing a particular type of accommodation or a fixed itinerary.

More destinations

More destinations: Espinal, Arrarats, Barañáin, Lantz, Tiebas-Muruarte de Reta, Mélida, Monteagudo and Eslava.

Routes

The Zilbeti–Tiratun route offers views across the Erro Valley toward the peaks of Artze and Aezkoa and as far as the Pyrenees of Jacetania. The Zilbeti–Zorotepo excursion passes through the southern beech forest of the Quinto Real area. The two trails have different focuses: one combines valley and long-distance views, while the other leads through the beech forest.

The two trails can therefore be distinguished according to the desired landscape experience. One offers an open succession of valley and long-distance views, while the other follows a route more closely connected with the forest. This comparison describes two different focuses without establishing a ranking between them.

For the Zilbeti–Zorotepo route, there is a small parking area on the paved track that branches off from Zilbeti in a north-easterly direction, approximately 500 meters from the village. The Zilbeti–Zorotepo route is recommended year-round, except during the rainy season, as part of the trail passes through a small gorge.

For the overarching travel overview: Navarre.