Arraioz: Palaces, defensive tower and Laxoa

Arraioz combines the defensive character of its towers with the scale of the farmhouses typical of Baztan. The N-121-B road runs through the village. For travel planning, Arraioz offers a range of cultural points of interest: historic defensive buildings, church architecture, Basque pelota and local festival traditions. This makes it easy to choose what to explore based on the topics that interest you most.

Palaces and defensive architecture

The Palacio de Jauregizahar retains the original appearance of a medieval defensive tower. A well-preserved, exposed timber structure stands above two stone sections, and a square dovecote crowns the palace. Stone, wood and the structure at the top together define its distinctive appearance.

The Torre de Zubiria is located in the Mardea district. It is a Gothic building dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Two loopholes bear witness to its former defensive function. The Palacio Jauregia de Vicuña is the oldest palace in Arraioz. Each building has its own distinguishing features: the exposed timber structure stands out at Jauregizahar, while the Gothic period and loopholes distinguish the Torre de Zubiria; Jauregia de Vicuña is notable as the village’s oldest palace.

Church and grave markers

The Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is a Baroque building with Neoclassical altarpieces. Its grounds include an atrium surrounded by a portico and featuring grave slabs. Disc-shaped grave steles can also be found in the church garden. These details extend from the church building to the atrium and garden, giving each of the different forms of local church architecture its own place. Compare the Baroque church building with its Neoclassical altarpieces.

Laxoa and Basque pelota

Next to the church is a preserved Laxoa court with a grass surface. There you can see the oldest form of Basque pelota still played today. Its location beside the church brings together two distinct aspects of the village: the Baroque religious building with its grave markers and a living sporting tradition. The court is therefore interesting not only as a feature of the built environment, but also as a setting for a distinctive form of Basque pelota.

Traditions throughout the year

The “Erreginak eta saratsak” ceremony takes place in Arraioz in May. Five or six girls gather to choose that year’s queen. Arraioz’s patron saint festivals are celebrated on the first Sunday in September. The two occasions differ in both date and content: May is marked by the named ceremony and the selection of the queen, while September is when the patron saint festivals take place. If you would like to plan your trip around either celebration, check the exact dates and current programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Adiós, Miranda De Arga, Aibar, Cascante, Arantza, Salinas De Oro, Arbizu, Gartzain

For the main travel guide: Navarra.