Zábal / Zabal

Zábal, whose name in Basque refers to “open” and “spacious,” is a small village in the Yerri Valley located on a plain surrounded by fields and very well connected to the rest of the region. Just a few minutes from Estella-Lizarra, it offers a leisurely and intimate way to explore the valley, where the landscape and tranquility are part of the experience.

The town center has a simple layout, featuring well-preserved stone houses and several buildings bearing coats of arms from the 16th and 17th centuries that reflect its agricultural past and the historical importance of farming. In the center of the village stands the Church of San Clemente, built in the 16th century and later remodeled during the Baroque period; it is the town’s principal heritage and social landmark.

One of Zábal’s most distinctive features is located just outside the village: the 16th-century wayside cross, which has become one of its greatest symbols. Featuring images of the Crucified Christ and the Virgin and Child, it stands as a valuable testament to popular piety and the traditional cultural landscape of the Yerri Valley.

Community life continues to play a central role in Zábal. Festivals, daily gatherings, and the activities of the local community foster a strong sense of community, which is especially evident during the summer and on weekends, when the town comes even more alive with the arrival of those returning to their family homes to reconnect with the tranquility and traditions of the valley.