Lónguida / Longida
The Valley of Open Skies
Our territory is defined by the course of the River Irati , whose ancient name, Ida, gave rise to the valley’s name. In this gateway to the Pyrenees, the character of the 25 villages that make up the municipality is revealed amidst alluvial terraces and a landscape that ranges from undulating to rugged.
It is a scene where stone-built architecture, towers and granaries bear witness to the history of a strategic pass, integrating the modernity of the Itoiz reservoir into a timeline that unfolds to the rhythm of the seasons.
Lónguida general information
The municipality is situated in the district of Sangüesa, comprising 5 local councils —Aós (administrative capital), Artajo, Ecay de Lónguida, Murillo de Lónguida and Villaveta— and 20 inhabited settlements.
Life in the valley bears the traces of the Roman road and of ancient royal estates granted to squires in the 15th century. The identity of the region is today rooted in a landscape of pine and oak forests where the language and culture coexist harmoniously.
What to see in Lónguida?
The Lónguida valley is full of surprises for those who know how to look beyond the conventional routes.
- Church of the Purification in Villaveta: This building is recognised as an example of rural Romanesque architecture in Navarre. Its façade and capitals display the technique of carved ashlar, blending into the layout of a parish that retains its traditional character.
- Church of San Martín in Ecay de Lónguida: A proto-Gothic building dating from around 1200. Inside, the 14th-century wall paintings, discovered after layers of lime were removed in the 1980s, depict scenes from the life of Saint Martin of Tours and Saint Cristobalón carrying the Child.
- Ekai Armoury Palace: This defensive and residential structure bears witness to the valley’s noble past. Its stone walls stand as a record of the ancient lineages that inhabited this part of the Merindad de Sangüesa.
- The surroundings of the Itoiz reservoir: The construction of the reservoir has reshaped the landscape of the northern part of the municipality. The presence of the water offers new perspectives on the surrounding valleys, where the old villages of Itoiz and Uli Bajo remain deserted under the influence of this engineering feat.
- Architecture of Murillo de Lónguida: The village features a landscape of ashlar-built houses typical of the Navarran mountains. Its streets showcase the use of carved stone in harmony with the landscape overlooking the River Irati.
Aerial view of the village of Longuida surrounded by green meadows and mountains.
Suspension bridge over a river in Longuida with a forest and clear sky.
Suspension bridge over a river in Longuida with a forest and clear sky.
Preguntas frecuentes
Resuelve las dudas más habituales sobre los diferentes parques y zonas naturales: cómo llegar, qué visitar, normas, rutas y servicios para planificar tu experiencia con facilidad.
Lónguida is a municipality in Navarre comprising a valley that brings together various population centers. It is not a single town, but a dispersed municipal entity that manages the life of numerous villages, hamlets, and rural areas located in the Pre-Pyrenees, on the banks of the Irati River.
Lónguida has a population of around 300 residents. Due to its large area and the number of small settlements that comprise it, it is one of the municipalities with the lowest population density, which guarantees an intimate and tranquil visiting experience.
As it is made up of so many villages, each one celebrates its own local festivals. However, they usually take place during the summer months (August and September). Aós, the capital, and other communities like Murillo de Lónguida, organize popular events where gastronomy and traditional music bring together residents from all over the valley.
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