Discover Murillo El Fruto

Murillo el Fruto brings together architectural history, an annual pilgrimage, and several routes with clearly defined destinations. If you are looking for a hotel in Murillo el Fruto, these themes can help shape your trip: local history, an event on the annual calendar, or a choice between routes of different lengths.

Architectural history in the townscape

The Casa-Palacio de los Rada brings together evidence from several centuries. Juan de Rada founded the building in the second half of the 15th century. At the entrance is a Rada coat of arms from the 18th century, with an inscription above it. The foundation and the coat of arms thus represent two different periods in the history of the house.

The Iglesia de Santa María can also be understood through its construction phases. Construction began in 1528 over a primitive proto-Gothic church dedicated to the Apostle James. The present tower dates from the 17th century, was designed by Juan de Landerráin, and has a modern top. The earlier church, the start of construction, and the tower therefore belong to different periods.

On Altobarrio hill, the old town follows the course of the enclosure wall of the former castle. Part of the tower and other remains have been preserved. This makes it possible to view the structure of the old town in relation to its former fortifications.

The restored Pozo del Hielo is on the eastern edge of town, at the end of Calle Calvario. Its cylindrical section, excavated into the ground, is 5.10 metres high and 3.90 metres in diameter. The location helps you find your way to the edge of town, while the measurements give a precise sense of the structure’s proportions.

Routes and landscape orientation

The Cañada Real de Salazar connects the Pyrenean valleys with the southern areas of Navarre and the Bardenas Reales. Within the municipality, the Cañada Real runs from south to north: it starts in the town centre and continues for 3.43 kilometres to the border with Ujué. The legally permitted maximum width is 80 metres. The length and endpoint describe the local section, while the 80 metres refer to a legal upper limit.

Route 15 on the Cañada Real de Salazar is a 5.5-kilometre circular route. It starts where the road passes through Murillo el Fruto, in the open area next to the Bar El Fruto. Check trail conditions before your trip. On the ascent to El Castillar, there are panoramic views over Murillo el Fruto and the entire Aragón valley.

A route to Alto de Bigas is listed as a 16.1-kilometre circular route. A description of the route from Murillo el Fruto to Alto follows the Cañada Real to the summit. Because of the condition and nature of the trails, this route is recommended for mountain biking. The figures make it possible to compare distances: Route 15 is 5.5 kilometres long, while the circular route to Alto de Bigas is 16.1 kilometres.

Pilgrimage and Navarrese culture

Since time immemorial, an annual pilgrimage has taken place from Murillo el Fruto to the Santuario de Santa María de Ujué. It falls on the Sunday after the feast of Saint Mark on 25 April. If you are planning your trip around this occasion, use this calendar date to plan and check the current details locally.

Another cultural connection is the Navarrese jota. Raimundo Lanas shaped its modern form by adapting and revising older jotas and composing his own pieces.

Discover more destinations: Cintruénigo, Mendigorría, Alsasua, Muneta, Tirapu, Ibero, Lizaso, Enériz

For the overview of the wider region: Navarre.