WHAT TO SEE
Aragonese Route 3: From Sangüesa to Puente La Reina
The third stage of the journey leaves from Sangüesa and continues to Rocaforte, where San Francisco de Asís is known to have stayed during his first visit to Spain, and returns to the main route at Liédana. The route leads through Navarrese lands to the Foz de Lumbier, a beautiful nature reserve where there is a spectacular gorge cut by the Irati river. The Romans built a bridge over it which later was used by pilgrims on their way to Santiago. Today, there are no traces of it.
Then, the way crosses La Venta de Judas, Nardues, Aldunata, Izco, Abinzano, Idocín, Salinas de Ibargoiti, where stands a beautiful Gothic church, and Monreal, where are the remains of an old castle, and the church of San Martín de Tours. The temple, of Gothic origin, was completely reformed in the 17 C.
The route continues past Yarnoz (crenellated tower), Otano (Medieval bridge), Ezperun, Guerendiain and Tiebas. Here, pilgrims can visit the ruins of a castle, a Gothic church and enjoy a panoramic view of the Basin of Pamplona.
After crossing Venta de Campañas and Enériz, the route stops at Eunate, where is Santa María de Eunate, a funerary monument or chapel with octogonal ground plan. Then, the way leads to Obanos and reaches Puente La Reina, where it joins the French Route coming from Roncesvalles. From this point, pilgrims will follow the way that starts from Roncesvalles.
In the old town stands the Church of the Crucifix (12-13 C), built by the Knight Templars. The Church of Santiago (12 C), on the main street, contains one of the most beautiful polychromed carvings of the Apostle that can be found on the way to Santiago.