Leitza

Amidst the mist of the beech forests and the solidity of the bluish-grey stone, Leitza reveals itself as a network of streets and balconies that seem to whisper ancient stories. Every corner of the town reflects the passing of the centuries, from the ironworks that supplied fleets to the tunnels of the old txiki railway that now run through green paths. Here, the forests, the megalithic monuments and the urban stonework coexist as traces of different eras, shaping a landscape that preserves the valley’s memory intact.

General information on Leitza

Leitza lies in the north-west of Navarre, in the Cantabrian-Atlantic region, surrounded by mountains that form a horizon of peaks and beech forests, such as Eguzkizko Muinoa and Urepel. Its forests and rivers have witnessed over 6,000 years of history, from the megalithic remains to the charter shared with Areso in 1192. This border location made the town a strategic enclave for the Navarrese monarchy, marking a history of resistance and transformation.
After separating from Areso in 1770, Leitza knew how to adapt its resources and its people to the changing times. From the ironworks that forged iron for the fleets, to the arrival of the Plazaola railway and the consolidation of the paper industry in the 1960s, the town has learnt to embrace modernity without losing its roots. Today, as part of the Basque-speaking region, Leitza retains a landscape of stone and woodland that invites you to discover the history hidden in every corner.

What to see in Leitza?

Every corner of Leitza and its surroundings offers a window onto the past and the natural wealth of the Navarran mountains.

• Alde Zaharra (Old Town): A labyrinth of cobbled streets and wooden balconies that hold the stories of past generations.
• Peruharri: Iñaki Perurena’s sculpture park transforms the power of stone into figures that blend myth, strength and sporting tradition, showcasing Leitza’s culture on a grand scale.
• Leitzalarrea: Beech and oak forests where megalithic monuments and the Izaieta natural monument rise amongst silver firs reaching nearly 40 metres. A place where nature feels ancient.
• Church of San Miguel: A 17th-century building, whose atrium offers a panoramic view of the town centre and its stone roofs, whilst the interior preserves the spiritual rhythm of the town.
• Ibero: The only preserved medieval industrial complex in Navarre: a tower, a smithy and a bridge over the Urumea. A testament to the engineering and daily life of centuries past.
• Euskal Herria Square and Town Hall: The social heart of Leitza. The 1752 stone block has witnessed traditional games, markets and sword dances, serving as a stage where life and history intertwine.