Lintzoain

In the heart of the valley, Lintzoain lies like a place of passage that has learned to stay. Nestled amongst the hills that form the Astobia and Tiratún ranges, the stone holds an enduring memory, woven from transience and permanence. The atmosphere is evident in the layout of its two hamlets, in that balance between high and low, and in the echo of those who passed through this place centuries ago: knights, pilgrims, travellers who left an almost invisible mark. It is a land where legend and everyday life coexist effortlessly. The story of the knight Roldán, suspended between epic and tradition, is intertwined with the solidity of the church and the tranquil pulse of the Camino de Santiago , which continues to set the rhythm of the place.

Lintzoain general information

Lintzoain lies at an altitude of 750 metres, on the right bank of the River Erro, occupying a central position within the valley and serving as its administrative capital. Its origins as a royal town date back to the 13th century, when it was already documented as paying taxes to the crown. The traditional organisation of the council, based on a rotation of public offices among residents, reflects a deeply rooted community way of life. Lintzoain maintains a constant level of activity within the valley and is home to the Town Hall. Furthermore, its role as a welcoming hub on the Camino de Santiago reinforces its open character, striking a balance between livestock farming traditions and contemporary life.

What to see in Lintzoain?

A tour of Lintzoain reveals a landscape steeped in history.  

• Church of San Saturnino: This medieval building (13th century), with 16th-century alterations, overlooks the upper village from its hilltop. Inside, the stonework houses a 17th-century Romanesque-style high altarpiece and a barrel vault, a testament to the solidity of the valley’s religious architecture.
• Roldán’s Footprint: Nearby lies a slab almost three metres long which tradition identifies as the stride of the knight Roldán during one of the skirmishes of the Battle of Roncesvalles .
• The Footsteps of Roldán: Three menhirs or large stones of mysterious origin situated on the outskirts, which popular imagination associates with the colossal strength of the paladin, his wife and his son.
• Traditional fountains: The town has two fountains; the lower one, next to the pelota court, is fed by the spring on Mount Tiratún, whilst the upper one is colloquially known as ‘the big heads’.