The best traffic-free bike rides around Guirguillano

Santa Maria de Eunate A modest little church, yet shrouded in mystery and of rare elegance and harmony. On the Camino de Santiago in the hills lies the octagonal church with a small apse, built in the 12th century. Around it runs an also octagonal arched gallery with pillars and double columns. The whole is surrounded by a wall. The purpose of this gallery is not yet clarified today. Outside the walls, graves of pilgrims with scallop shells were found, which is why it is plausible to assume that it was also a cemetery chapel. A document also mentions a hospital of the Order of St. John, which is said to have been located in the vicinity. A legend also tells that it is a replica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and belonged to the Knights Templar.

Amazing is the location of the citadel right next to the old town and yet such a different world. The citadel is considered the best example of Spanish Renaissance military architecture and one of the most important fortifications in Europe. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciudadela_de_Pamplona

We loved the town of Estella! Very welcoming ♥

At the general audience on June 21, 2006, the then Holy Father briefly summarized two biblically recorded events that describe the special position of James the Greater, the patron saint of this church, among the disciples: + "He was privileged, along with Peter and John, to participate in the hour of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and in the event of Jesus' Transfiguration. (...) In the first instance, James, together with the other two apostles, experiences the glory of the Lord; he sees him speaking with Moses and Elijah; he sees the splendor of divine glory shining in Jesus; in the other instance, he faces suffering and humiliation; he sees with his own eyes how the Son of God humbles himself and is obedient to the point of death. The second experience was certainly an opportunity for him to mature in faith and to correct the one-sided, triumphalist interpretation of the first experience: He had to recognize that the Messiah, awaited by the Jewish people as a triumphant leader, was in reality not only full of honor and glory. surrounded not only by suffering, but also by suffering and weakness. The glory of Christ is realized precisely on the cross, in sharing in our sufferings." (Pope Benedict XVI)

Beautiful Romanesque church with a small but beautiful cloister in which we can find an intertwined column.

Santa María de Eunate is a Romanesque church on the Aragonese branch of the Way of St. James in Navarre. The church was built at the end of the 12th century in the Romanesque style with Mozarabic influences. The octagonal design is a reference to the Templars. There used to be a hospice here that belonged to the Order of St. John and today it is a hostel for pilgrims.

San Pedro de la Rúa is a beautiful historic church located in the heart of the medieval town of Estella-Lizarra, along the famous Camino de Santiago. Built in the 12th century, this church is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. Its most striking feature is the cloister, considered one of the richest sculptural ensembles in Navarra. The church itself is imposing and exudes a serene tranquility. Inside you will find beautiful vaults and historical works of art that reflect the rich history of the region. San Pedro de la Rúa’s location, high above the town, offers magnificent views over Estella and the surrounding landscapes.

The Church of Santiago in Puente la Reina, also known as the Church of Santiago el Mayor, is a historical and architectural gem. This parish church originally dates back to the 12th century, but most of what you see today dates back to the 16th century after extensive reconstruction. One of its most striking features is the late Romanesque entrance, which was preserved during later renovations. Inside you will find a special statue, known as the Black Santiago.