Lekaroz

Amidst the traces of engraved stone and the shade of the beech woods, the landscape of Lekaroz tells a story of reconstruction and endurance. In this corner of the Baztan Valley, the fires of the Carlist Wars and the transformation of the former Capuchin College form part of a memory that lingers on the paths leading to the neighbourhoods of Oharriz and Orabidea. Here, Basque-Navarrese architecture blends into the forest, where mills and coats of arms bear witness to the heritage of a land that has managed to retain its original character despite the ravages of fire.

Lekaroz general information

Between the main town centre and its scattered neighbourhoods, the community of Lekaroz preserves the records of its past in the very fabric of its buildings. The inscription on Casa Gortaria still bears witness to the fire of the late 18th century, whilst the historical presence of the College of Our Lady of Good Counsel links local identity with culture and education.

Here, this heritage coexists with a stunning rural setting where stone farmhouses are dotted throughout the nature , successfully blending respect for the past with the beauty of the surrounding forests.

What to see in Lekaroz?

From the mysticism of its gorges to the charm of its neighbourhoods, Lekaroz offers unforgettable routes.

• Infernuko Errota (The Mill of Hell): In the Orabidea neighbourhood, this mill is suspended between two slopes above a waterfall that flows through the forest. Its history as a clandestine meeting place and the traces of its legends live on in the very fabric of its walls and in the rhythmic sound of the water. It is accessed via a path that allows you to observe the untamed character of this corner of the Pyrenees.
• Oharriz Neighbourhood: Situated on the banks of the River Baztan, near Irurita, this architectural ensemble showcases the rural nobility of the municipality. The farmhouses and the imposing Oharriz Palace demonstrate the mastery of traditional architecture in the stonework and the scale of the stately buildings.
• Casa Xaharrea and its Coat of Arms: In the town centre, the façade of Casa Xaharrea features a coat of arms in the Flemish style. This artistic detail highlights the influence of the commercial and financial networks that linked Navarre with northern Europe during the 18th century, incorporating international aesthetics into the local stonework.
• Traces of History at Casa Gortaria: Walking through the streets of Lekaroz is like reading its history. On the façade of Casa Gortaria, an inscription carved into the stone commemorates the fire of 1796 during the War of the Convention. It is a silent reminder of the resilience of a village that has always known how to rebuild itself and look to the future.