Hidden in the Baztan Valley we discover a small village of about 260 inhabitants that remains one of the least known municipalities in the Merindad of Pamplona. Just 65 kilometers from the Navarre capital, we are welcomed by Azpilikuetagaraykosaroyarenberekolarrea, the village with the longest name in Spain and Europe, which also hides one of the most incredible natural secrets in the world.
It is important to note that the village of Gargantilla del Lozoya and Pinilla de Buitrago, in Madrid, has a total of 44 characters, with 38 letters and 6 spaces. In contrast, Azpilikueta (which shortening the name of the village is key to being able to pronounce it) contains, without spaces, one letter more.
A Navarre village with an unpronounceable name
Azpilkueta is located at the foot of Mount San Fermín and has four neighborhoods (Arribiltoa, Apaioa, Urrasun, and Zuaztoi). Through its streets, we can discover samples of palatial architecture, such as the Azpilkueta Palace, a military captain's palace. We also find what was once the primitive medieval tower, which was almost completely demolished by order of Cardinal Cisneros in 1516.
The parish church, in a Latin cross shape, is dedicated to Saint Andrew and inside it still houses a set of altarpieces by the sculptor Juan Pascual de Mena. We also come across the Xartola mills, two identical mills that draw water from the Artzubi stream. The website of Baztan Turismo informs us that 'they have been recently restored, along with the dam and the channels, forming a really interesting and attractive hydraulic complex.'
It is said that María Azpilikueta, the mother of Saint Francis Xavier, was from the village with the longest name in Europe, and although this information is not confirmed, it seems that the local parish priest in 1922, Juan Bautista Urrutia, assumed that the existing palace 'called Azpilikueta derives from that of the mother of Saint Francis Xavier, and in it was conceived the glorious saint'.
The natural secret of Azpilikueta
The most striking aspect of Azpilikueta is, perhaps, knowing that it conceals one of the most incredible natural secrets in the world. This picturesque village in the Baztan Valley has been a place steeped in mysticism and legends for centuries. Among the most fantastic creatures associated with this territory are the lamias, mythological beings deeply rooted in Basque tradition.
And here we would like to take a moment to remember (and recommend) the Baztan trilogy by Dolores Redondo, as it reveals other beings such as the Basajaun, a protective figure of nature, as well as the incredible villages that make up this Navarre valley.
Returning to the lamias, half-woman and half-animal figures, they are usually depicted with a female torso and bird legs or fish tails, and they are closely linked to the rivers, springs, and caves of the region.
In Azpilikueta, legend has it that the lamias dwelled by the crystal clear streams, where they wove threads of gold and combed their long hair with golden combs. Although they were attributed a hypnotic beauty, they were also regarded as guardians of the secrets of nature.
Stories tell that they often interacted with humans, helping them with agricultural tasks or granting gifts to those who showed them respect. However, they could be relentless towards those who dared disturb their peace or steal their magical belongings.
One of the best-known tales from the village with the longest name in Europe tells of a young shepherd who, upon helping a lamia recover her golden comb, was rewarded with wealth and prosperity. And today, the lamias remain a fundamental part of the imagery of Azpilikuetagaraykosaroyarenberekolarrea, reminding us of the coexistence between the magical and the human in the heart of Baztan.