Garísoain: Church Art and Roman Road

Garísoain’s main attractions are its church art and architectural history, as well as the “El Hechizo de la Calzada Romana” circular route. The natural surroundings include, in particular, the Peñas de San Quiriaco. The town’s history thus brings together different themes: building phases, religious artworks, a long-standing tradition and a route associated with a Roman road.

Church Art and Architectural History

The Iglesia de la Natividad de Garísoain has a history spanning several periods. The original church was built in the 12th century; the present building dates back to alterations made in the 16th century. An accidental fire in the 16th century left only the nave walls, the portal and the apse of the old church. This makes it possible to distinguish the building’s medieval origins from the later construction phase of the present structure.

The furnishings also offer specific points of interest. Retables are decorated altar screens; the main retable of the Iglesia de la Natividad depicts the Birth of the Virgin Mary. The church’s five retables are considered Bernabé Imberto’s finest work. One individual work can be dated more precisely: Imberto created the Retablo de San Ciriaco in the parish church between 1600 and 1620. Its subject, artist and date of creation thus add different art-historical perspectives to the building’s history.

Guided tours of the Iglesia de la Natividad are available throughout the year by prior arrangement. Arrange your visit in advance.

The Ermita de la Virgen del Pilar

The present Ermita de la Virgen del Pilar dates from the 18th century and was remodelled in 1939. In addition to its architectural history, the image of the Virgen del Pilar is a distinctive detail: it is made of marble and stands on a wooden pedestal.

The chapel is also associated with its own tradition. The customary occasions for the walk to the Ermita include 12 October and the rogation processions on Ascension Day. Along with its architectural history and the image, this tradition gives the Ermita a different focus from the retables in the parish church.

Circular Route to the Roman Road

The “El Hechizo de la Calzada Romana” route is a 7.3-kilometre circular walk that starts and ends in Garísoain. At Alto de Guirguillano, it includes a well-preserved 400-metre section of a Roman road. The route also passes the washhouse and the spring at Sorginiturri. Allow time for the walk and check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Iglesia de la Natividad combines architectural history with retable art, while the circular route includes a well-preserved 400-metre section of the Roman road.

Discover more destinations: Ollo, Oderitz, Marcilla, Etxaleku, Burlada, Cirauqui, Burguete, Cascante.

For the regional travel overview: Navarra.