56 kilometres
FRENCH-ARAGONESE ROUTE From Sangüesa to Puente la Reina
This second branch of the French route is the continuation of the Via Tolosana and enters Navarre in Sangüesa after crossing the border at the Somport pass in Huesca.
It joins the path of the route which enters Spain via Luzaide/Valcarlos in Puente la Reina. But before you get there, you have kilometres of undulating landscapes with fields of grain, windmills, vast pine forests and beautifully wild gorges to enjoy.
Check out the tracks on Wikiloc:
If you choose this route, don't miss:
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Church of Santa María la Real, Sangüesa
A Site of Cultural Interest that exemplifies the transition between Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The church’s doorway is one of the pinnacles of Romanesque art in Spain. If you have time to get hold of a tour guide, we strongly recommend you do so. You’re going to enjoy it twice as much.
And while you’re there, a walk around Sangüesa is sure to surprise you, because its streets are home to beautiful, well-preserved noblemen’s houses, churches and convents.
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Church of Santa María de Eunate, Muruzábal
A dainty church with an octagonal floorplan built in the second half of the 12th century. It has an original open atrium and a portico with 33 arches.
The church has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest and is the source of numerous myths and legends, all fuelled by its origins as a Knights Templar building.
We cannot conclude our description of this route without pointing out that within 15 kilometres of Sangüesa you can find two gems of Navarre’s architectural heritage and one of its natural marvels, all three of which are well worth taking a detour to admire. They are:
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Castle of Javier
8.5 kilometres from the Way of St James, departing from Sangüesa.
The birthplace of San Francisco Javier, the patron saint of Navarre, is an impressive mediaeval fortress visited every year by thousands of Navarros on the Javierada pilgrimages in March.
The castle’s drawbridge welcomes you into a construction with towers, dungeons, machicolations, embrasures and loopholes which transport you back to olden times of religion and war.
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Monastery of Leyre
12 kilometres from Sangüesa.
The former refuge of kings and bishops, this austere Romanesque building is a hymn to meditation and spirituality.
Marvel at the 11th-century crypt, admire the lavishly decorated Porta Speciosa and feel Gregorian chants touch your soul.
All in an idyllic setting surrounded by peaceful greenery.
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The Gorge of Lumbier
14 kilometres from Sangüesa.
This monument sculpted by nature is one of the wildest landscapes in Navarre. Home to birds of prey, foxes and badgers, this beautiful gorge with vertical walls standing 300 metres tall is the result of the passage of the River Irati.
Declared a nature reserve and very well conserved, the Gorge of Lumbier invites you to stroll along the Rail Trail or just relax beside the cool waters of the river.