Navarra Guide 2019

hOme of Kings and PoPes artajona surprises visitors with its 11 th -century mediaeval fortifications, known as El Cerco , which have provided the backdrop for numerous films. The narrow streets of artajona are dotted with palatial houses, once the abodes of monarchs, noblemen, knights, bishops and popes. it is worth walking up to the highest point of the fortifications to visit the restored sanctuary-fortress of san sa- turnino (13 th century).other buildings of

interest include the gothic Church of san Pedro, the basilica of nuestra señora de Jerusalén and the Hermitage of San Bar- tolomé. on the outskirts are the dolmens of Portillo of eneriz and la mina, which are reached by a path which starts be- hind the cemetery. if you have time and want to know some- thing about the village’s traditions, ask the locals what the “spade races” are and why the village’s bells are so special.

Pitillas wetlands ▲

artajona, El Cerco ▼

following BirdS if you are looking for a haven of peace in nature, then you will find one at the Pitillas Wetlands Nature reserve . visit the observatory or walk the marked trails around the water to see the wealth of bird life that lives there all year round and the hundreds of birds that stop off on their migratory routes. loose yourself amidst the sounds of ducks, herons, storks, bitterns and eaglets; watch the birds flying over the reeds or swimming around; and enjoy the beauty of the sunset over the wetland.

34 | middle ZONe