Marcilla: Castle, Old Town and Nature

Marcilla combines historic buildings with named routes through river, wetland and steppe landscapes. This makes it possible to plan a trip around different interests: the history of the castle and other religious buildings, views of the Río Aragón, and walks where birdwatching is possible. Each place and route has its own focus.

Marcilla Castle and its history

Marcilla Castle was built in the 15th century by Mosén Pierres de Peralta and served as a palatial residence for the Marquises of Falces. Restoration work lasted from December 2008 to April 2012. Today, the castle is designated a Bien de Interés Cultural; it has been owned by the Government of Navarre since 1976. The year 1976 refers to when the government took ownership, not to the date of its cultural designation.

Guided tours take place on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 12 noon. Check the current schedule before travelling. Occasional staged tours are held throughout the year; if you would like to attend one, check current announcements when planning your visit. A historical exhibition in the castle explains, in three thematic sections, the dynastic conflict that shook Navarre in the 15th century. Check access arrangements before visiting.

Monastery and religious buildings

The Monasterio de Santa María, also known as the Convento de Agustinos Recoletos, is a brick complex dating from the last quarter of the 18th century. It was built in the Baroque-classical style; the church is centrally located within the complex, which also includes a cloister. The monastery museum features a permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions. Find out about access arrangements before visiting.

The Ermita de la Virgen del Plú is located in Marcilla’s old town. Its existence is documented from 1474; the building was rebuilt in the 17th century. Alongside the history of the castle, it offers another point of reference for understanding the development of Marcilla’s historic buildings. The dates refer to different things: the hermitage’s existence is documented from 1474, while the 17th century marks the rebuilding of the building.

Routes, river landscapes and wetlands

The Camino Verde RAN passes through Marcilla and connects the town with Funes, Peralta and Falces. Many sections of the route pass through the area known as Territorio Visón. A section of the Camino de la Veracrúz also passes through Marcilla. These routes have different geographical connections: the Camino Verde links several towns, while the focus here is on the section of the Camino de la Veracrúz that passes through Marcilla.

The Paso de los Cortados runs along the right bank of the Río Aragón. The route offers views of the clay cliffs beside the river, as well as opportunities to observe birds of prey. The walk through La Planilla crosses a distinctive steppe landscape where some endangered bird species can be observed. The walk to the Mirador takes you over the Montico and through areas that have been reforested in recent years. It ends at a viewpoint above the Río Aragón.

The nature routes differ in their stated highlights: the Paso de los Cortados brings together the riverbank, cliffs and birds of prey, while La Planilla features steppe landscape and possible sightings of endangered birds. The route to the Mirador, by contrast, leads specifically to a viewpoint above the river. These differences can help you choose a walk.

The walk to the Laguna de la Isla leads to a well-maintained wetland beside the river, which is part of the Life Visón project. The Humedal de la Isla, also called La laguna, is Marcilla’s most important wetland and is located on the Río Aragón. Wetlands therefore provide another natural point of interest alongside the steppe and riverbank landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Olazagutía, Azuelo, Ilzarbe, Tudela, Aranarache, Zariquiegui, Espinal, Doneztebe.

For the wider travel overview: Navarre.