Estella Lizarra, what to see and what to do.

Estella Lizarra, what to see and do in one of the most beautiful towns in the middle area of Navarra.

Estella, Lizarra in Basque, is one of the most striking cities in the west of Navarra. An urban center, which has many places of interest to see and enjoy. Known as “Estella the beautiful”, this city located in the middle zone of Navarra, presents us with a transition space between the mountains and the riverside. A place that surprises with its history, nature and gastronomy. 3 aspects, which give a lot of play when planning any getaway to this area of Navarra. Tierra Estella – Lizarraldea, is one of the five historical merindades of Navarra together with Iruña – Pamplona, Tudela, Sangüesa and Olite. Its capital, Estella – Lizarra, offers a nice representation of what we can find in the rest of the territory. An urban nucleus that we recommend to visit with eyes closed. This monumental city has a great legacy in the form of palaces, bridges and emblazoned houses. A wide range of attractions, which makes walking through its historic center a real luxury. The river Ega, faithful traveling companion, accompanies us as we pass through these historic streets. Spaces where pilgrims mingle with other visitors creating a cheerful and multicultural atmosphere. Many people compare Estella – Lizarra with Toledo, in fact, Estella – Lizarra has come to be known as “the Toledo of the north”, a nickname that has been earned thanks to the large number of similarities between the two urban centers. On the other hand, the Way of St. James and the Jewish quarter have marked the personality of this city that we hold in such high esteem. Nowadays, Estella – Lizarra, has a great variety of historical buildings that surprises and envelops the visitors in that marked medieval character with which it counts in its historical zone, in its urban area. As a curious fact, every Thursday takes place the usual weekly market of Estella – Lizarra in the heart of the city, in the Plaza de los Fueros. Another small attraction that makes the city a great place to visit.

The different events held annually in Estella – Lizarra attract thousands of people to its streets and squares. The first of them takes place on May 25, when the city pays tribute to its patron saint, the Virgen del Puy. A day marked in the calendar of all Estellica, which, along with other events such as the Medieval Week held in late July, the Music Week held in the second half of September or the fair of livestock and handicrafts of San Andrés held on November 30, has become an event of great interest in the middle zone of Navarra. However, the event that creates more expectation is undoubtedly the patron saint festivities that take place from the first Sunday of August. During these dates, the atmosphere is totally assured. Another excuse to visit Tierra Estella.

If you want to know what to see in Estella – Lizarra, we suggest you to follow our steps. We are sure that you will love each of the places we recommend. Most of the attractions of Estella – Lizarra, most of the historical buildings, are centered in its historical center, but we must not forget all those spaces located in the merindad, in its surroundings, in the so-called Tierra Estella – Lizarraldea. Here is a small summary that shows us both the attractions of the city and all those villages that surround it.

Ega riverbed: The banks of the Ega river give Estella – Lizarra a beautiful space to contemplate and enjoy. This riverbed is born in the emblematic Sierra de Cantabria, to later make a meandering journey through Navarrese lands to deposit its waters in the Ebro River. We recommend you to follow its course, it will give you more than one surprise.

Church of San Pedro de la Rúa: This Christian temple represents the oldest parish church in Estella – Lizarra. It is the largest temple in the city. Its entrance, which is preceded by a grand staircase, shows one of the most important complexes of Romanesque sculptures in Navarra. In front of it stands the Palace of the Kings of Navarre, another architectural jewel that enchants us with its 13th century portico and the influence of Arab culture. This building, which was listed as a national monument in 1931, now houses the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum.

Palace of the Sancristobal: The exterior of this building draws our attention as we walk through the historic center of the city. Its facade, presided over by a coat of arms and several balconies, with great presence of brick, keeps a lot of small details. According to experts, this palace may have been built around 1540 by order of Don Diego de San Cristóbal Ballesteros Eguía and his wife Doña María Cruzat y Jaso.

Churches: In this section we include the churches of the Holy Sepulchre, the church of Santa María Jus del Castillo and the church of San Miguel, 3 large temples, which, together with the aforementioned Church of San Pedro de la Rúa and the Church of San Juan form the great range of Catholic buildings in Estella – Lizarra. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands out in the history of the city as a place where pilgrims have been attended to since 1123. On the other hand, the fortress church of San Miguel enchants everyone who walks along the left bank of the Ega thanks to its impressive dominion over the city.

Church of San Juan: This church is one of the best known of Estella – Lizarra due to its location in the center, in the Plaza de los Fueros. Built in the 13th century and partly rebuilt by the local architect Anselmo Vicuña, this building stands out for its main altarpiece and the different carvings in it. As a curiosity, the current Virgin is not the original, as it was stolen in 1976 and its current whereabouts are unknown.

Plaza de los Fueros: Heart of Estella – Lizarra. Also known as the Plaza de San Juan or the Plaza de Mercado, this central space represents one of the most emblematic places in Estella – Lizarra. A meeting point both for people who live in the historic center of the city and for those who live in the new areas of the city. The church of San Juan, the porticoes that we find on its 4 sides or the wide range of colors of the houses in the square are striking.

Estella-Lizarra Jewish Quarter: The Jewish quarter, the part of the city where most of the Jewish dwellings were concentrated, also known as the Jewish quarter, was an important part of the golden age of the city. This neighborhood was known as the Jewish quarter of Elgacena. The first Jewish presence in Estella – Lizarra dates back to 1066. Since then, the Jewish people have made many contributions to this enclave in Navarre. We recommend a stroll along the medieval street of La Rúa. A historic street, which, marked by the symbol of the Jewish quarters, encourages us to know an important part of the city.

Santo Domingo Convent: This religious complex began to be built in 1290 and, after several years of splendor, was abandoned in 1839 due to the confiscation of Mendizábal. For all those people who do not remember what this economic and historical process consisted of, to summarize, it expropriated from all its goods and properties all those religious congregations whose purpose was not charity. Among all of them was the Convent of Santo Domingo. A fact that led it directly to ruin. Fortunately, it was rebuilt.

Middle Ages in Estella Lizarra: Entering the historic center of Estella – Lizarra is to venture within the walls of the ancient Kingdom of Navarre. This historic bastion, once impregnable, is today an open book for all those who want to learn about the history of the city. We recommend that you get lost among its streets and squares, walking through this small labyrinth and enjoying every step we take. And the fact is that, wherever we look, all are noble buildings full of charm.

Prison Bridge: The prison bridge of Estella – Lizarra is one of the most representative spaces of the city. A medieval bridge, with a single arch, which stands out for its impressive aesthetics. Of course, you should know that it is not the original bridge, but a reconstruction. The original was destroyed during the Carlist Wars in 1873. We recommend that you stop at its highest point, the course of the river Ega and the panoramic view of the historic center with the Church of San Miguel captaining the horizon are one of those memories to take home.

Truffle Museum: It is currently the only museum of this subject that we find in the whole peninsula. An interpretation center, which, helped by the cultivation fields that we find around it, is presented to us as a perfect place to learn about the incredible world of the truffle in Navarra.

Source of Urederra: One of the most demanded routes of all Navarre, one of the most amazing areas of the Natural Park of Urbasa and Andia. Its crystal clear waters attract thousands of people throughout the year to the middle area of Navarra. We remind you that it is necessary to make an online reservation to visit this Navarrese enclave. On the other hand, if you want more information about this place, we recommend you to read our article, Urederra, the water paradise in Navarra. We are sure you will love it.

Natural Park of Urbasa Andia: This Natural Park is one of the great jewels that surround Estella – Lizarra. A space of great natural value, which provides routes, landscapes and stories that will brighten up your stay in the west of Navarra.

Basilica and monolith of San Gregorio: In Sorlada, about 20 minutes from Estella – Lizarra, we find a basilica, which, strategically located on a hill, surrounded by monoliths and breathtaking views, offers a getaway that is well worth it.

The best way to get to know the town of Estella – Lizarra, is undoubtedly to get lost among its streets, squares and bridges. A small luxury available to everyone in the city. Strolling among noble houses and historic mansions takes us back to the Middle Ages, a walk that, following the course of the river Ega, leads us to know all the secrets of this small and historic town. The spaces mentioned above are just a small representation of what we can find in Estella – Lizarra and surroundings, you can also visit the Basilica del Puy, the Convent of Santa Clara, the Convent of Conceptionist Recollects, the Town Hall or the Basilica of Our Lady of Rocamador. Anyway, we are sure that the mentioned spaces are more than enough for you to enjoy each and every one of the charms that are hidden in the city.

Thanks to the great variety of spaces offered to the visitor, Tierra Estella – Lizarraldea, has become one of the most fashionable destinations in Navarra. An area to enjoy and relax. The historical heritage, the natural beauty and the gastronomy of the area merge to attract the visitor to a land full of surprises.

Routes: The impressive natural wealth of the middle area of Navarre makes Estella – Lizarra an ideal place for those who want to enjoy nature with the family. There are hundreds of routes around the small villages of this rural area of Navarre. Routes of great beauty, in which we find a great relationship between effort and reward. An example of this is the route that separates the town of Sorlada from the Basilica of San Gregorio, a familiar and easily accessible walk, which gives us breathtaking views of the entire valley. Among all the possible routes in the surroundings of Estella – Lizarra, the Llanos walk, which runs parallel to the Ega riverbed, and the Valdelobos walk, which, following the old route of the Basque-Navarre railroad, has become one of the most popular places for the people of Estella to stretch their legs, are of special interest. We recommend good shoes, it’s time to walk and enjoy.

Gastronomy: Asparagus, cereals, wines, cheeses or truffles are just a small representation of the great gastronomic products produced in Tierra Estella – Lizarraldea. Local products, of great quality, which contribute to a great extent to the well-deserved fame of Navarre’s restaurants. We recommend you to enjoy the gastronomy of Navarre, we are sure that you will repeat. In this sense, the different restaurants in Estella – Lizarra will be of great help, we recommend you to read the section “Where to eat in Estella Lizarra” of this same article.

Camino de Santiago: Pilgrims, the essence of the Camino de Santiago, brighten up the streets as they pass through. If you are tempted to follow this historic route, Estella – Lizarra is one of the most important cities in the west of Navarra, a reference point on the map of every pilgrim. An urban center full of historical spaces and hostels, which takes care of pilgrims with the same passion, perseverance and care that they did centuries ago. Obligatory stop. It is time to rest and regain strength for the next stage of the route.

Los Arcos Circuit: The circuit of Navarra, a track that has hosted multiple competitions since its inception, stands as one of the most important in the north of the peninsula. But in our case, we not only present it as a place where you can enjoy exciting motor competitions, we also want to show you another of its great facets, its karting circuit. And is that, next to the circuit, in one of the sides, we find one of the most exciting circuits in the north. Do you feel like having fun at the controls of a kart?

Buy typical products: Asparagus and truffles represent those typical products of the middle zone of Navarra. A land rich in crops that gives us authentic delicacies. Good, nice and cheap gastronomic souvenirs that we recommend you to buy in one of the many farms that we find in the surroundings of Estella – Lizarra. In our case we got a good consignment of asparagus, both fresh and canned. If you go during the harvesting season, end of March – mid-April, we recommend you to go to Zubielqui and buy asparagus el aventurero, a good choice.

These suggestions that we make to enjoy Tierra Estella – Lizarraldea are just a small demonstration of the wide range of opportunities that we find in this territory. We recommend you to enjoy all of them, we are sure you will end up with a smile from ear to ear, ondo pasa!

In Estella – Lizarra we find dozens of proposals to sleep. Accommodations of all kinds, which offer us to enjoy the city thoroughly. However, this time, our recommendation is a little different. We recommend you to leave the city and venture into the countryside to enjoy the charms of an eighteenth century palace located in Sorlada. What do you think? A rural inn, that, thanks to the family atmosphere and the great ecological and local gastronomy with which it welcomes us, has become our home in this area of Navarra. Its name, Hostal Rural Ioar.

The fusion of one of the largest and most beautiful cities in the area with the rural essence of Sorlada, makes these two spaces a winning bet. If you are looking for a hotel in Estella – Lizarra, we recommend you to consider staying at the Ioar Rural Hostel. Undoubtedly, a great option for people who want to rest and relax in the middle of nature without having to refuse to know urban centers of great interest.

In Estella – Lizarra there is a wide variety of restaurants where you can eat, but if you want our opinion, we recommend you to taste the culinary creations of La Cepa Restaurant. A safe bet. It is an emblematic establishment, which, located on the second floor of a historic building in the Plaza de los Fueros, offers typical dishes of the area at very competitive prices. Its location is curious to say the least. And is that, located on a second floor, without a local face to the public on the first floor, it seems to be hidden. Nothing could be further from the truth. Its lounge, carefully decorated and relaxed atmosphere, helps us to enjoy the elaborate dishes with which we are surprised.

This establishment has a menu of great variety and quality that is around 30€ per person. An option that caught our attention and ended up winning us over. Due to the high demand and the limited space in the dining room of this restaurant in Estella – Lizarra, we recommend you to book before going. Its location, right in the center, is perfect for a break on the way to get strength without wasting time in displacements. An ideal restaurant for those who do not have much time to visit the middle area of Navarra. An authentic gastronomic experience to awaken the senses. Are you in?

Thanks to different archaeological remains it has been possible to argue that the area that we know today as Estella – Lizarra, was inhabited since the Bronze Age. The origin of the town dates back to the year 1090, the historical moment in which King Sancho Ramírez granted the charter to Estella – Lizarra. Along with the charter, the king also made changes to the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, the famous road to Santiago de Compostela, omitting the monastery of San Juan de la Peña and including the monastery of Iratxe. This is how Estella – Lizarra became a fundamental part of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela. The original urban center was created on the right bank of the river Ega. Its inhabitants, originally from the French regions of Auvergne and Limousin, spread out during the 12th century to create new villages such as San Miguel and San Juan. The castle that protected the city from its privileged position, became after the loss of Araba, in 1200, one of the most important areas of the border with Castile. Likewise, during the mandate of Teobaldo I, Estella – Lizarra was designated capital of one of the historical merindades of Navarre. The different armed conflicts between sides, the tension with the Kingdom of Castile and the floods of 1475 caused Estella – Lizarra to destabilize, thus entering a period of decadence. In 1483, the urban nucleus was rewarded with the rank of “city” gaining great importance among the rest of the towns that surrounded it. This was followed by the annexation of Navarre to the kingdom of Castile and the Carlist Wars, moments in which Estella – Lizarra was the epicenter of great and important events. From this time, the city has been adapting to the new times, growing and living in peace until today. Thus becoming one of the most important centers of the middle zone of Navarre.

As you have been able to see, Estella – Lizarra is an urban center full of charms, a place with many places to see and enjoy. We strongly recommend you to visit this city in the middle area of Navarra, we are sure you will not be disappointed. If you have any questions or suggestions, we encourage you to use the comment system of this article, we will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pasa!