Carcastillo - Navarra Media

Gateway to the Bardenas Reales badlands

Carcastillo is that corner of Navarre where history mixes with the dust of the badlands, the aroma of stews and the character of its people. The study of its history has revealed elements that shed light on its origin, such as a milestone (used to indicate distance along a route) dated in the 3rd century or a funerary inscription marking a Hispano-Roman burial site. In the Middle Ages, it was on the border separating two kingdoms, and its history was intertwined with that of the Monastery of La Oliva from the 12th century onwards.

When it comes to places worth visiting, the Monastery of La Oliva is a must. Founded in the 12th century and declared a National Historical Monument, its Cistercian church, Gothic cloisters, chapter house and Chapel of San Jesucristo are places of calm and contemplation.

The Bardenas Reales Natural Park, with its 42,000 hectares of semi-desert landscape, is another enclave with ties to the town that is worth visiting. In fact, each summer the town celebrates the Transhumance Festival in Bardenas Reales, an ideal moment to experience the traditions linked to this landscape.

And in Carcastillo as well, the Dos Reinos Lagoon has become an ideal recreational area for walking and birdwatching. The Larrate Viewpoint over the River Aragón is the perfect spot to look out over the valley in all its splendour, with meanders, river terraces and an Aleppo pine grove that is home to birds of prey such as the red kite and the booted eagle.

In the town centre, the 16th-century Carcastillo Palace boasts a brick arcade and Renaissance balconies. The Church of El Salvador, with a 13th century nave with original chrismon, completes the visit to the town.

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