Zugarramurdi

Zugarramurdi is a name that evokes mystery, untamed natural and a history that has captivated the world. Popularly known as ‘The Village of the Witches’, this corner of the Xareta region welcomes you with a landscape of striking greenery and a calm that contrasts with its turbulent past. 

Here, the imposing Witches’ Cave, as well as being a geological monument, is the setting where legend and reality intertwine to the sound of the Olabidea stream. It is a destination where every stone house and every wooded path seems to hold a secret waiting to be discovered by the traveller.

Zugarramurdi general information

Zugarramurdi is a place that captivates your senses. This small town has managed to transform its dark historical legacy into a vibrant present brimming with cultural life. As you stroll through its streets, you’ll be struck by the elegance of its traditional architecture, with sturdy stone-built farmhouses and wooden balconies overlooking the peaks of the Navarrese Pyrenees.

Located a stone’s throw from the French border, Zugarramurdi forms part of the ‘Xareta’ region alongside Urdax, Sara and Ainhoa. It is the perfect retreat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the essence of Baztan-Bidasoa. Here, the warmth of the locals and the beauty of the natural surroundings create a unique atmosphere where magic, more than just a legend, feels like a sensation floating in the air.

What to see in Zugarramurdi?

Zugarramurdi offers a fascinating journey from the darkness of the Inquisition to the light of its natural landscapes.

• The Witches’ Cave: A natural tunnel 120 metres long and up to 12 metres high, carved out by water. It contains no paintings or stalactites, but its atmosphere is unrivalled: it was the setting for the alleged covens that led to the witch trials of 1610.
• Witches’ Museum: Located in the town’s old hospital, this museum reveals the historical reality behind the myth. Through audiovisual displays and exhibitions, it pays tribute to the victims of the Inquisition and explains 17th-century Navarran society, its beliefs and the use of natural medicine.
• Church of the Assumption: Built in the 18th century after being destroyed by French troops, this imposing building dominates the town centre. Its sturdiness reflects the importance the town held in times gone by.
• Smugglers’ Trail (Pottokaren Bidea): A trail marked with a blue pottoka (native horse) that links Zugarramurdi with the caves of Urdax and Sara. It is a gentle walk of around 8 km through chestnut and oak forests, offering a glimpse into life on the border in days gone by.
• Civil architecture: A stroll through the village reveals stately homes of great value, such as Etchenikea or Barrenetxea, which bear witness to the prosperity of local families in the 18th and 19th centuries.