ZUGARRAMURDI CUEVA

Welcome to Zugarramurdi, a small enclave of 250 inhabitants located between the mountains of Navarre and the Cantabrian Sea, in the heart of the cross-border region of Xareta. This complicated name, which evokes a tendril to those who hear it for the first time, refers to "elms, hazelnuts and laurels", a vegetation characteristic of the place. The main cavity, dug by a high-flow stream, the stream of hell, has the appearance of a large tunnel, opening out into this rocky area into two other galleries. On the archaeological level, testimonies of the prehistoric period have been discovered, ceramics and fire stones being attributed to the Magdalenian period, and kisulabes, ancient wood ovens.

But these caves are especially famous for the legends of the witch's age! To learn more, visit the Zugarramurdi Theatre, where the "Sorgiñak" show is performed throughout the year: a real journey through ancient legends and myths, also relating the witch trials that took place in the 17th century. But let's go back to the cave instead. It contains neither stalactites nor cave paintings, but is particularly attractive because of its size and its legendary magnetism. Once inside, it is easy to imagine the Sabbaths (pagan gatherings in which men and women escaped from the habits of ordinary life through frenzied feasts, dances around the fire and orgies in the moonlight), carried by the tales of pagan rites and banquets allegedly presided over by the devil. The names given to the cave underline its relationship with this magical world.

Indeed, the most open end of the tunnel is called Sorgin Leze (witch's cave) and the narrowest part, Akelarre Leze (cave of the akelarre or sabbath). Myth or reality? Either way, Zugarramurdi and witchcraft are forever linked by history through the autodafé of 1610. The Valle-Alvarado Inquisitor, after receiving numerous complaints denouncing the making of potions, spells and other witchcraft tricks, took 40 suspects to Logroño. The tribunal of the Inquisition condemned 11 people to die at the stake, whose names appear on a plaque at the entrance to the cave. Every year a ceremony is held to commemorate the festive use of the caves at that time: this great event takes place on the last day of the village's patron saint's day, the traditional zikiro jate. This is a popular meal attended by 800 people, with spit-roasted lamb.