Arakil

In this valley, where the River Arakil winds its way between the Aralar, Andía and Urbasa mountain ranges, the stone preserves the memory of passage and the landscape unfolds like a silent record of what once was and still remains. The restored ancient washing places and the ever-watchful gorges create an atmosphere where history tells its own story.

Arakil is a land of passage, a place where the journey matters as much as the stay. Here, the Romanesque chapels, the route of the Calzada XXXIV and the daily life of its villages coexist without haste, allowing the identity of the Sakana to emerge between the riverbed and the steadfastness of the rocky outcrops.

Arakil general information

Arakil is situated in the north-west of Navarre, within the district of Pamplona and the Sakana region. Its territory has historically functioned as a natural corridor between regions. The municipality’s origins date back to the mansio Aracaeli, a stop on the Roman road linking Astorga with Bordeaux, whose legacy has defined the valley’s open and busy character.
The municipality comprises thirteen local councils, maintaining a decentralised structure following Irurtzun’s independence in 1996. Arakil forms part of the Basque-speaking area, where the Basque language remains a living expression of local culture. Although farming and livestock rearing continue to be present, they now coexist with more industrialised models, whilst most of the territory retains its forested character.

What to see in Arakil?

The valley offers a journey through different layers of time, visible in its landscape and architecture.

• Church of Santiago de Itxasperri: A 13th-century Romanesque church that was the historic seat of the valley’s councils.
• Aixita Castle: A strategic site with archaeological remains showing occupation between the 10th and 16th centuries.
• Pasos de Dos Hermanas and Oskía: Gorges that define the valley’s geography and demonstrate the erosive action of water on rock.
• Roman Road XXXIV: Remains of the road that crossed the valley, still visible in various sections and structures.
• Rural heritage: Restored wash houses, mills and ironworks that reflect traditional uses of water and the local economy.

Towns and villages of Arakil

• Aizkorbe: A settlement at the foot of Aralar, where the landscape still evokes the ancient hamlet of Laturlegui, which disappeared during the war of 1429.
• Egiarreta: A parish historically linked to the estates of medieval religious institutions. It is notable for its restored rural heritage, which provides an insight into the traditional ways of life in the valley.
• Ekai: An ancient royal settlement that achieved economic prominence in the 13th century. Its farmhouses reflect the structural solidity characteristic of the local stone.
• Errotz: Nestled within the Arakil nature corridor, this parish is defined by the tranquillity of its cobbled streets and a leisurely pace that connects with the essence of the valley.
• Etxarren: A notable settlement that preserves the memory of the vanished hamlet of Abizu. Its buildings offer fine examples of 18th-century architecture.
• Erxeberri: A parish that retains a distinct traditional architectural style, linked to the ancient settlement of Arraçagua. Ashlar masonry shapes its houses, many of which are stately in character.
• Hiriberri: Former administrative capital of the valley and a site linked to the Roman road. Its surroundings preserve the memory of settlements that have disappeared over time.
• Ihabar: An area where the memory of historic settlements such as Aguinart and Ilarrazu endures. Daily life is integrated into the agricultural landscape characteristic of the Sakana region.
• Izurdiaga: Currently the most populous settlement, with a strategic location near the confluence of several rivers. It celebrates its festivities in June.
• Satrustegi: Situated on the slopes of the Andía mountain range, this municipality preserves within its territory the memory of Berama, a hamlet that disappeared around the year 1500.
• Urritzola: A village that preserves examples of traditional civil architecture. Its forested surroundings reflect the historical importance of timber harvesting in the valley.
• Zuhatzu: A former royal town that enjoyed a period of prosperity in the Middle Ages. Its religious and civil buildings bear witness to that historical era.