
Route through Sangüesa district and the Pre-Pyrenees

Route through Sangüesa district and the Pre-Pyrenees
Another area that lovers of cultural tourism just adore. And no wonder; just look what treasures await you here.
- The musts: Lumbier and Arbaiun limestone gorges
- Monastery of Leyre
- Castle of Javier
- Sangüesa
- The icing on your trip to the Middle Ages
- Gastronomy
- Active tourism for sports lovers
- Things to do
- What to do
The musts in this area
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Lumbier and Arbaiun limestone gorges
Lumbier and Arbaiun limestone gorges
Mapa turístico de la Comarca de Sangüesa y Prepirineo
Locate the landmarks in Sangüesa district and the Pre-Pyrenees on the map

Monastery of Leyre
As a an appetiser, let’s start with the . One of the most important architectural ensembles in Navarre. Set in a natural landscape with a large reservoir as a backdrop, the site is worthy of an oil painting. Its 11th-century crypt, the Gothic vault and the famous Porta Speciosa — beautiful door — are the monastery's architectural highlights.
And one thing we recommend is that you stop, but really stop, to listen to the Gregorian chants sung by the Benedictine monks who live there.
Castle of Javier
And it’s on to the Castle of Javier, 8 kilometres away. A mediaeval building beloved by the people of Navarre because it was once the home of their patron saint, Saint Francis Xavier. See the saint’s bedroom, the chapel of San Miguel and the museum with its wonderful diorama exhibition to keep the whole family entertained. And you can’t but love the keep and drawbridge. Who doesn’t enjoy being transported back in time at the click of their fingers?


And what can we say about Sangüesa?
Well, it’s a small historical town in the east of Navarre on the minor branch of the French route of the Way of St James, and it one thing that makes going there an absolute must: the Church of Santa María la Real and its imposing doorway, a Romanesque masterpiece and national monument since the 19th century. Worth a visit in its own right, you can make the most of your time and discover the fascinating history of the town and see other interesting buildings such as the Church of Santiago and the town’s two palaces: the Baroque Palace of Vallesantoro with its spectacular wooden eaves and the mediaeval Palace of the Prince of Viana.
Oh, and if it’s summer and you plan on having lunch around here, try some potxas, fresh white beans which are a real delicacy.
The icing on your trip to the Middle Ages
Here are two small but great places. Aibar and Gallipienzo. And what have they got? Well, nothing less than the charm of authentic villages, narrow, cobbled streets, Romanesque churches and magnificent views of the surrounding area. Ideal places to unwind in one of the delightful rural hotels or local houses for rent.
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Gastronomy
- Pochas beans (white beans)
- Sturgeon caviar
- Costrada cake from Aoiz, a dessert with a sponge-like crust and soft cream filling
- Baja Montaña wines
- Organic wines