Mendilibarri is a small district within the municipality of Ancín that has preserved the scale and character of the historic villages of Valdega. Situated at the foot of the Sierra de Lóquiz and overlooking the Ega Valley, its location offers an ideal blend of heritage and nature for those seeking to stroll and explore the valley at a leisurely pace.
The village is organized around the Church of San Andrés, one of the town’s main heritage landmarks. This church, built in the early 13th century, combines proto-Gothic forms with Cistercian influences. In addition, its interior houses a remarkable collection of artworks, including Gothic murals, a Baroque main altarpiece, and various pieces of gold and silverwork and sculpture that reflect the site’s historical continuity.
The natural surroundings complete Mendilibarri’s identity with sweeping views of Valdega. Rural paths connect to ancient holm oak forests, communal woodlands, and the access routes to the Sierra de Lóquiz, over which the municipality holds rights through the Santiago de Lóquiz estate. The route of the old Basque-Navarre Railway, now integrated into the landscape, serves as a reminder of the valley’s historical connection to transportation routes and the surrounding territory.