A town that surprises visitors with the richness of its historic center and the power of the natural surroundings.
The town center preserves a remarkable concentration of Baroque palaces, houses bearing coats of arms, and ashlar-stone buildings that attest to the historical significance of Riezu/Errezu within the former Kingdom of Navarre.
Narrow, winding streets, small plazas, and open spaces form an urban fabric that retains the characteristic layout of the rural villages in the Yerri Valley.
The historic bridge, the restored old mill, and the trail leading to the river's source illustrate how the town developed around the use of water power and the natural landscape.
Riezu/Errezu can be visited year-round. During the summer, the walk to the source of the Ubagua River is particularly appealing due to the river’s flow and the lush surroundings.
Traditional street network: Narrow, winding streets that follow the contours of the land and occasionally open up into small spaces such as the church square, preserving the historic character of the town center.
Baroque palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries: Stately buildings that reflect the historical significance of Riezu/Errezu within the ancient Kingdom of Navarre and the presence of prominent lineages.
Houses bearing coats of arms: Historic stone dwellings that preserve family crests and traditional architectural elements integrated into the urban fabric.
Heraldic crests and vernacular architecture: Crests carved into stone, masonry facades, and architectural details that maintain a harmonious and well-preserved urban landscape.
Tower linked to the Remírez de Ganuza Palace: A cubic tower built of ashlar stone, connected by a wall section with a semicircular arch, which constitutes an outstanding example of fortified residential architecture from the Modern Age.
Church of Our Lady of the Assumption: A parish church of Gothic origin that anchors the townscape and forms an essential part of the town’s historical identity.
Chapel of San Blas: A small chapel linked to local tradition and the religious life of the municipality.
Historic Bridge over the Ubagua River: A traditional crossing linked to the town’s development and its historical relationship with water and roads.
Restored Old Mill: A structure linked to the use of water power, now integrated into the river’s landscape and the local heritage.
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Riezu/Errezu is located on the eastern edge of the Yerri Valley, at an elevation of 520 meters, in a natural narrow pass formed between the Iturgoyen Mountains and the Ubagua River. The town combines stately architecture, nature, and a peaceful way of life in a setting that invites visitors to pause and linger.
Its historical development has been shaped both by its strategic location and by the availability of water resources, which facilitated the construction of infrastructure related to the use of water.
The town retains a town center with great character. Surrounding it stand some of the most significant buildings, including several palaces built in the 16th and 17th centuries that belonged to noble families such as the Remírez de Ganuza. This ensemble is complemented by coats-of-arms-adorned houses and a keep that serve as a reminder of Riezu’s historical importance within the ancient Kingdom of Navarre. The parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, of Gothic origin, anchors a well-preserved urban layout, where every corner speaks of centuries of life tied to the land and the river.
If anything defines Riezu, it is its relationship with water. A trail begins right in the town center and follows the Ubagua River all the way to its source—one of the valley’s most cherished nature trails. Beech and holm oak forests, waterfalls, springs, and limestone cliffs make up an ever-changing landscape that turns the walk into a deeply rewarding experience, whether for leisurely strolls or for hiking enthusiasts.
Riezu is also a place to enjoy the outdoors, local cuisine, and the festivals that keep the valley’s community spirit alive. With a campground, places to relax, and a prime location between Andía, Iranzu, and Estella-Lizarra, Riezu is an excellent starting point for exploring Tierra Estella.
Una villa de montaña, paisajes kársticos y tradición ganadera.
La puerta de entrada al valle de Irantzu, entre montañas y patrimonio monumental.
Una villa donde la sal ha dado forma al paisaje, a la historia y a la identidad.
La puerta de entrada al embalse de Alloz, donde la naturaleza invita a disfrutar y a desconectar.
