“La Cueva de la Mora” in Fitero – A magical love story
In La Ribera there is a magical place, which already fascinated the Spanish poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer in his spell: Fitero, known for its Cistercian monastery and its thermal baths. In the “Cueva de la Mora”, the blackberry cave, a tragic story took place during the a tragic love story between an Arab princess and a Christian during the Moorish occupation. princess and a Christian. Legend has it that night after night, the princess’s soul was Night after night, the soul of the princess appears in the cave in search of water for her lover. During guided hikes through the breathtaking Roscas massif, informative guided tours of the impressive monastery and picturesque bike tours along the narrow streets of Fitero. Fitero, visitors can learn more about the history of this charming town and discover street discover street art dedicated to Bécquer.
The “Devil’s Bridge” – An architectural masterpiece with a supernatural aura
In the gorge of Foz de Lumbier, one of the most beautiful landscapes of the country, the rock walls were formed over thousands of years by the river Irati. There are also many fantastic stories about this place, one of which revolves around the mysterious “Devil’s Bridge”, also known as the “Jesus Bridge”. The construction of the 15-meter-high arch, which was destroyed during the War of Independence, is attributed to superhuman forces.
It is said that a rich lady named Magdalena once suffered from such severe pain that her servant Clisatela decided to go in search of the healing water from the Liscar spring. However, she had not considered that to do so she would have to cross the river that flows through the Foz de Lumbier gorge.
A devil appeared and offered her a deal: He would build her a bridge on which she could cross the gorge before 6:00 a.m., and she would have to give him her soul in return. Clisatela reluctantly agreed to the deal and waited for the devil to carry out his order.
When the sundial on a nearby tower struck 7:00 a.m. – an hour later than the the devil showed Clisetela his construction, which connected the ravine from one side to the other. to the other and enabled the young woman to cross. Clisatela, who was miraculously miraculously saved from surrendering her soul to the devil, decided to rename the bridge the Bridge to be renamed “Bridge of Jesus.”
The Lumbier Gorge can best be explored by bicycle or during a relaxing walk along the scenic Irati Greenway. Those looking for adventure, can discover the gorge from a new perspective with a rafting experience on the Irati River.
Eunate and the “twin gates” – Mysticism on the Way of St. James
In the west of the region stands the Romanesque church of Santa María de Eunate, an important site along the Way of Saint James. The octagonal building has led to much speculation about magic and superstition.
No less than three stories entwine around its origin. One speculates that the church was built by the Knights Templar, in part because of its similarity to the structure of the Temple of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.
Others believe that it could be the work of the Order of Saint John, and that Santa María de Eunate is part of an unfinished complex that also includes a pilgrims’ hospital and a a cemetery. The third version states that a noble lady, founder of the Brotherhood of Santa María de Onat, had the chapel built as her burial chapel.
The church and its picturesque surroundings can be visited independently or as part of a guided tour. In addition, the cultural route through the Tierra Estella invites you to discover the gastronomic highlights of the region and to be tempted by the culinary delights. be seduced by the culinary delights.
“El Pozo de las Lamias” in the Baztan Valley – An encounter with fascinating creatures
The Baztan Valley in the north of Navarre is an enchanting region. Here nature is protected by the Basajaun, a being from the local mythology. The Lamias, half women and half birds, also play a great role in the traditional stories. The magical beauty of the “Lamiputzu”, also known as the Fountain of the Lamias, is underlined by the gushing waters of the famous Xorroxin Waterfall, which make their way from the top to the bottom. Traversing the charming nature trails, a whole universe of mysteries opens up, nestled in the heart of the picturesque valley.
The legendary trails of Navarre are ready to ignite the imagination and weave unique memories. The magic of this captivating destination captivates and reveals the hidden wonders that lie dormant in the depths of Navarre.
About Navarre
Navarre, in the north of Spain, is the land of diversity, tradition and good food. The rugged peaks of the Pyrenees merge with the lovely valleys of La Ribera and the desert-like formations of the Bardenas Reales. The spirit of pilgrimage on the Way of Saint James meets the spirit of adventure in nature and the joy of celebrating San Fermín and the countless traditional festivals in the region. Historic castles and monasteries take you back in time, while the exquisite cuisine with excellent wines, delicious vegetables and unique pinchos brings the taste buds back to the present. For more information, visit https://www.visitnavarra.de