Zugarramurdi

The village of the Navarrese witch trials — in 1610, the Spanish Inquisition tried and executed several women accused of practicing witchcraft in the caves above the village. The eerie Cueva de las Brujas (Cave of the Witches) can still be visited.

Just over the border from France, Zugarramurdi is known in Basque folklore but remains obscure to most Spanish tourists.

History

Zugarramurdi, a small village nestled in the green hills of Navarra near the French border, is famous throughout Spain for its association with the Spanish Inquisition and the notorious 1610 witch trials. While tales of witchcraft and pagan rituals had long circulated in the region, fueled by local legends and the perceived mysterious nature of the Basque streghe (witches), it was a series of trials initiated by the Inquisition that cemented Zugarramurdi's dark fame.

The trials, led by inquisitor Juan de Valle Alvarado, resulted in accusations against numerous villagers, many of whom were coerced into confessing to practicing witchcraft, attending 'akelarre' (witches' Sabbaths) in the village's caves, and consorting with the devil. Though torture was not officially sanctioned, psychological pressure and harsh interrogation techniques led to widespread accusations. Ultimately, twelve people were condemned to be burned at the stake in an auto-da-fé in Logroño, with five of them burned in effigy as they had died in prison. The Zugarramurdi trials remain one of the most significant and tragic chapters in the history of the Spanish Inquisition and a powerful symbol of intolerance.

Highlights

• 1610 witch trial site — Spain's Salem
• Cueva de las Brujas (Cave of the Witches)
• Witchcraft Museum
• Annual aquelarre (witches' sabbath) festival

How to get there

From Pamplona, Zugarramurdi is approximately 80 km north. Take the N-121-A towards France, then turn onto the NA-2540 at Oronoz-Mugaire. The scenic drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Explore nearby: Navarra guide