Beriáin: Churches, History and La Balsa de la Morea

A trip to Beriáin offers several distinct themes to explore: the history of churches and infrastructure, archaeological traces, remembrance and leisure by the water. The specific sites and local tradition give you different starting points for planning your stay around a particular theme.

Churches and the History of Infrastructure

The parish church of San Martín has medieval origins. It acquired its present appearance through extensive alterations in the late Gothic style in the 16th century. Another chapter in its history is the main altarpiece, made by Martín de Echeverría in the first half of the 17th century. The church therefore brings together its origins, its transformation and a work from a later period.

Local tradition also says that the church was consecrated by three bishops on the eve of the consecration of Pamplona Cathedral. According to the story, this connection with Pamplona is also part of the parish church’s history.

Beriáin’s historic infrastructure includes the Caseta de decantación and the first sections of the Noáin Aqueduct. Both are included in the municipal catalogue of historic, artistic or environmental buildings and features worthy of protection. The Noáin Aqueduct’s water conduit ran underground through Beriáin; its route was marked by arcas.

The Santo Cristo del Perdón church points to another historical period: it was built around 1963 by Empresa «Potasas de Navarra, S.A.» to meet the spiritual needs of its staff. Together with the parish church of San Martín, it illustrates different historical contexts, although the two churches were not built in the same period.

Archaeological Traces and Remembrance

The medieval necropolis of San Esteban was mainly used between the 11th and 13th centuries. Excavations there uncovered 330 graves; only a small remnant of the archaeological site, consisting of three graves, has survived. Both the site’s long history of use and the small number of remains preserved are therefore important to understanding it.

The Parque de la Memoria de Beriáin is open to the public; check access before your visit. The park is dominated by the large sculpture Cielo de tierra by Ramón Llamas. It is dedicated to all the victims of Francoist violence, giving the park a distinct focus on remembrance.

A Walk and Leisure at La Balsa de la Morea

La Balsa de la Morea is listed in the Navarra Wetlands Inventory. A 1.5-kilometre path runs along its shore and is suitable for walking. Bathing and swimming are also possible leisure activities at La Balsa.

This offers two clearly distinct ways to spend time by the water: you can plan a walk along the shore or consider bathing and swimming as activities. The length of the walking route is specified; water-based recreation is a separate option.

A Tradition with a Fixed Date

The Txinurri tradition takes place every year on 1 November. After the main Mass, children walk through the streets of the old town asking for chestnuts. If you would like to include this tradition in your travel plans, schedule your visit for this fixed date. This custom is therefore tied to a specific time of year, unlike the longer-term themes of the churches, the necropolis and the path along the shore.

Discover more destinations: Oskotz, Burgui, Erratzu, Baztan, Oronz, Arribe, Metauten, Cintruénigo.

For the wider travel overview: Navarra.