The distinction between castles and palaces, especially in
the rural environment, is not at all clear. Castles, built for
defensive purposes, become palaces when they possess some kind
of sumptuousness or luxury for the pleasure of the lord or king.
Symbols of nobility and power, the
Navarrese Pyrenees have notable examples.
Castillos
y palacios
Liberri:
The fortified palace of Liberri is located
near to Aós. It was built in the
XIV or XV century and was reformed in the
XVI. It is in a good state of repair. Restored
in 1960.
This ancient estate preserves its old ashlar
tower -partly restored- with slanting walls
rising from a powerful base. Its structure
is similar to the nearby palace and tower
of Ayanz, both good examples of late Gothic
palaces in Navarre.
Ayanz:
Large fortified palace conserved for its
historical value belonging to the family
of the same name. Located in the Valley
of Lónguida, it stands out thanks
to its stately, quadrangular tower. This
tower is a good example of what is the most
widespread military construction found in
mediaeval Navarre: an independent tower,
the ultimate building of the nobility. Its
ashlar walls are topped with parapets. The
doors are built at a height to prevent their
being easily forced.
Palatial
house of Inbuluzketa: A building
with a long central section between two
towers, typical of the mediaeval epoch,
although its masonry betrays a later date.
Towers of Uriz: Two towers, the
higher-placed one from the XIII century
and the lower one from the XV century. Both
are square-based.
Other buildings such as those in Esparza,
Auritz-Burguete and Ardanaz
are also worthy of note.
Liberri:
The fortified palace of Liberri is located
near to Aós. It was built in the
XIV or XV century and was reformed in the
XVI. It is in a good state of repair. Restored
in 1960.
Ayanz:
Large fortified palace conserved for its
historical value belonging to the family
of the same name. Located in the Valley
of Lónguida, it stands out thanks
to its stately, quadrangular tower. This
tower is a good example of what is the most
widespread military construction found in
mediaeval Navarre: an independent tower,
the ultimate building of the nobility. Its
ashlar walls are topped with parapets. The
doors are built at a height to prevent their
being easily forced.
Palatial
house of Inbuluzketa: A building
with a long central section between two
towers, typical of the mediaeval epoch,
although its masonry betrays a later date.
Towers of Uriz: Two towers, the
higher-placed one from the XIII century
and the lower one from the XV century. Both
are square-based.