Uriz: Towers, Church and Landscape along the Urrobi

Uriz lies on a plain on the banks of the Urrobi, at an elevation of 625 metres. The surrounding area includes cereal fields and woodland with pine and oak trees; towers rise above the houses. The landscape and distinctive skyline reveal different sides of the place: the river, fields and woodland form the setting, while the towers, church and historic houses reflect its architectural history. Here, a rural setting meets a clearly recognisable architectural heritage.

Towers and local history

The two historic towers are square structures dating from the 13th and 15th centuries, respectively. They bear the coats of arms of the Uriz family and the Merino of the valley. Uriz is considered the ancestral home of the knightly family named after the village, which rendered important services to the Navarrese monarchy in the 13th and 14th centuries. The timelines overlap in the 13th century but extend to different dates: the towers date back to the 15th century, while the family’s service continued until the 14th century.

Church and historic houses

The Church of San Saturnino adds several historical layers to the architectural picture. It originated in the Romanesque period in the 12th century and was altered in the 16th century. Its medieval bell tower is considered one of the largest in the valley. The church also houses a 13th-century Gothic depiction of the Virgin and Child. San Saturnino thus brings together a Romanesque architectural history, later alterations and a distinctive work of religious art.

The main street also retains pointed-arch doorways and mullioned windows, characteristic of the village’s historic manor houses. These features complement the towers and church with a glimpse of residential architecture: the architectural details are not confined to individual buildings but can also be seen along the street.

Traces along the Urrobi

At Errotaldea, on the right bank of the Urrobi, are the remains of the village’s former grain mill. They add a trace of grain processing to the religious and manor-house buildings. Thus, alongside the church and residential architecture, the remains of a former mill are also part of the village’s history.

Hiking and trail features

The two routes offer different points of reference when planning a hike. The Calzada romana de Arce-Artzibar descends to the Urrobi and continues to Uriz, where hikers can see well-maintained fortified tower houses. Local conditions may vary. La Calzada Romana del Pirineo is marked in purple and white and has no steep climbs along almost its entire length, making it suitable for family hikes. Check trail conditions locally. Different features can guide your choice: the route to Uriz with its fortified tower houses, or the trail markings and the absence of steep gradients over most of the route.

For the wider travel overview: Arce.