Archaeological and natural sites in Basque Country

Archaeological and Natural Wonders

This collection traverses the diverse landscapes of the Basque Country, focusing on its ancient human history and geological landmarks. It features significant megalithic sites like the Aralar dolmens and the Axkaxarra stone circle, alongside Roman ruins at Villa Romana de Ramalete. Natural highlights include the Salto del Nervión, Spain’s tallest waterfall, and prehistoric cave systems like Isturitz and Otsozelhaia, which contain evidence of Paleolithic occupation. The list also includes the historic Roncevaux Pass, a key crossing in the Pyrenees.

Archaeological and Natural Wonders — Map

Euskalduna / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Roncevaux Pass

Roncesvalles Pass, Ronceval Pass or Roncevaux Pass is a high mountain pass in the Pyrenees near the border between France and Spain.

Merquiriz de Catalan. / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Villa Romana de Ramalete

Late Roman rural villa dating to the 4th century AD. The site is notable for its well-preserved geometric and figurative mosaics, including depictions of hunting scenes.

kurtsik / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Salto del Nervión

Spain's highest waterfall, dropping 222 meters from the Delika Canyon. The flow is seasonal, usually active during heavy rains or snowmelt in the winter and spring.

D

Grottes d'Isturitz et d'Otsozelhaia

A complex of two interconnected caves featuring Paleolithic wall art and archaeological finds spanning 80,000 years, including prehistoric flutes and stone tools.

E

Grotte Etcheberria

Prehistoric cave in Camou-Cihigue containing Upper Paleolithic engravings and paintings dating back approximately 15,000 years.

F

Cuevas de Arguedas

Rock-cut cave dwellings carved into the hillside during the 19th century. These man-made structures served as local housing until the mid-20th century.

G

Elkorreta-Gartxot

Natural cave located in the mountainous terrain of the Navarre region.

H

Cromlech Axkaxarra

Prehistoric megalithic stone circle located in the Pyrenees, used for funerary or ritual purposes during the Bronze or Iron Age.

I

Dolmen Portuzargaina 2 mendebalde

Megalithic burial chamber located within the Aralar mountain range, part of a concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments.

J

Dolmen Muñaan

Neolithic burial monument situated in the Aralar mountains, featuring a traditional stone chamber construction.

K

Dolmen Intxusburu

Ancient megalithic tomb belonging to the Altzania archaeological complex, dating back to the Neolithic or Bronze Age.

L

Dolmen Portuzargaina 1 ekialde

Prehistoric dolmen located in the Aralar range, serving as a communal burial site for early pastoral communities.

M

Dolmen Larreluze

Megalithic stone monument in the Aralar highlands, characteristic of the region's prehistoric funerary architecture.

N

Dolmen Legarotz

Megalithic burial site located in the Navarre region.

O

Dolmen Beotegiko Murkoa

Ancient stone burial chamber located in the Aralar mountain range.

P

Dolmen Igartza Oeste

Megalithic tomb situated in the western section of the Igartza archaeological area.

Q

Dolmen Alixeto

Prehistoric megalithic chamber used for ancient burials.

R

Dolmen Txamorro

Neolithic or Bronze Age megalithic burial site.

S

Villa Saint-Jean

Historic house in Saint-Martin-de-Seignanx recognized as a French regional heritage site.

T

Camp protohistorique fortifié dit de Gastelusare

Iron Age hillfort featuring defensive earthworks and stone fortifications, located on a strategic height in the French Basque Country.

Other Lists

Basque Country Unmissables Christian Heritage and Historic Sites Castles and Fortifications