Urdax, or Urdazubi in Basque, sits in a privileged setting at the gateway to Navarra. Surrounded by forests and mountains, Urdazubi-Urdax welcome visitors to enjoy a combination of history, tradition, scenery, gastronomy and sport.The town is located near the Dantxarinea border crossing separated from the Baztan Valley by Otsondo pass.
A number of medieval stone bridges span the river Ugarana, which runs through the town.
The town was founded around the 15th century under the auspices of the Monastery of San Salvador. In 1774, the town was separated from the monastery and declared independent. One of the most captivating features of Urdazubi-Urdax is its architecture, a harmonious combination of stately grandeur and tradition.Of particular interest are the so-called 'indiano' houses bearing the coats of arms of emigrants who returned from the Americas in the 18th and 19th centuries as wealthy men and built their mansions.
In Urdazubi-Urdax we also find the house where Pedro 'Axular' Aguerre was born. Axular was one of the preeminent writers in the Basque language in the 17th century, author of "Gero" ("Later"), a major work of Basque literature. Among its many attractions are the 9th-century monastery of San Salvador, the 18th-century mill, the magnificent caves of Ikaburu, the art exhibition, and all the guarantees of quality rural and cultural tourism.The town is comprised of the centre and seven neighbourhoods: Alkerdi, Landibar, Leorlas, Tejería, Hiribere, Larrainta and the commercial area of Dantxarinea.
Visiting the different points of interest in the town will be a journey through time, from prehistory, to the Middle Ages, to contemporary Navarra.
Tourist Office
Plaza de San Salvador, s/n.
+ 34 948 599070
turismo@urdax.es
Cave of Ikaburu Urdax
Barrio Leorlas
31.711 Urdax
Tel.: +34 948 599 241
Web.: cuevasurdax.com
Monastey - Exhibition
C/ San Salvador s/n
31711 Urdazubi-Urdax
Teléfono: +34 958 599031
www.otxondo-urdax.com
THINGS TO DO IN URDAZUBI - URDAX:
Historic Caves of Ikaburu, Urdax: Continuous erosion of the river Urtxuma created this cave some 14,000 years ago. A guided tour through its galleries will open up a hidden world of stalagmites and stalactites. For more information >
The Monastery is in the centre of town. The cloister features an exhibition of contemporary Basque art and on first floor houses a museum dedicated to the old monastery and its historical significance in the region. Although each place can be visited separately, a combination ticket is also available. For more information
Mill: guided tours. For more information: www.otxondo-urdax.com // +34 948 599 031.
DANTXARINEA:
The best shopping mall in the region. Every day people travel to the area from all over the French Basque country, the Landes, and even from as far afield as Bordeaux and Toulouse. Dantxarinea is currently undergoing an expansion and two major shopping malls are now being built.Here you'll find quality products at affordable prices. Plus a wide range of articles and services: food, tobacco products, fashion, service station, wine and spirits, variety store, and more. At our restaurants you can enjoy the best of traditional fare, tapas, fixed-price menus, and more http://www.urdax-dantxarinea.com/
WAY OF ST JAMES
Urdax is an important halt on the Way of St James on the road from Bayonne to Pamplona. This branch of the Way crosses the Baztan Valley from Urdax to Amaiur over Otxondo pass. There's not a lot of elevation gain but the first 9 km can be a little rough on pilgrims who haven't yet clocked up many miles. The next stage enters the Baztan Valley before heading up the past to Belate. There is a former pilgrims hospital in Urdax-Urdazubi and an operating pilgrims hostel.
FAUNA INTERPRETATION CENTRE: The fauna interpretation centre is located in the center of town next to the cultural center. The centre offers displays on several animals and a demonstration on the flight of different types of birds.
CULTURAL CENTRE: Urdax has a Cultural Centre located on the town square in the former forge. The Tourism Office is on the building's ground floor. The first floor features office space for meetings, exhibits and events - all fully equipped and climate controlled.
