Zugarramurdi

Zugarramurdi is a name that evokes mystery, untamed natural and a history that has captivated the world. Popularly known as ‘The Village of the Witches’, this corner of the Xareta region welcomes you with a landscape of striking greenery and a calm that contrasts with its turbulent past. 

Here, the imposing Witches’ Cave, as well as being a geological monument, is the setting where legend and reality intertwine to the sound of the Olabidea stream. It is a destination where every stone house and every wooded path seems to hold a secret waiting to be discovered by the traveller.

Zugarramurdi general information

Zugarramurdi is a place that captivates your senses. This small town has managed to transform its dark historical legacy into a vibrant present brimming with cultural life. As you stroll through its streets, you’ll be struck by the elegance of its traditional architecture, with sturdy stone-built farmhouses and wooden balconies overlooking the peaks of the Navarrese Pyrenees.

Located a stone’s throw from the French border, Zugarramurdi forms part of the ‘Xareta’ region alongside Urdax, Sara and Ainhoa. It is the perfect retreat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the essence of Baztan-Bidasoa. Here, the warmth of the locals and the beauty of the natural surroundings create a unique atmosphere where magic, more than just a legend, feels like a sensation floating in the air.

What to see in Zugarramurdi?

Zugarramurdi offers a fascinating journey from the darkness of the Inquisition to the light of its natural landscapes.

• Zugarramurdi Cave: This vast natural tunnel carved out by water is the town’s most iconic landmark and the place that gave rise to much of its international fame.
• Witches’ Museum: A space dedicated to providing historical context for witchcraft trials and explaining how the accusations that shaped local history came about.
• The memory of the Inquisition: The village preserves the memory of one of the best-known episodes of the Inquisition in Europe, which remains a fundamental historical reference for understanding the town.
• Church of the Assumption: Rebuilt following various historical conflicts, it stands out for its monumental presence within the town centre.
• Traditional architecture: Farmsteads and stately homes reflect the evolution of a rural community historically linked to farming and livestock rearing.
• Natural surroundings and hiking: The woods and paths surrounding the town allow visitors to discover the landscape of Xareta from the perspective of a territory shaped by the border and ancient communication routes.