Espinal

About this stop

A little about Espinal

Espinal is a small village in the Navarre region of Spain. Historically, it has been a significant stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago due to its strategic location after the challenging ascent and descent of the Pyrenees. The village is nestled within the Irati Forest, one of the largest beech and fir forests in Europe, which has been a source of timber and wood for centuries.

Espinal's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was founded by King Sancho VII of Navarre to repopulate the area and provide services to the pilgrims. The village has preserved its medieval layout, with narrow streets and traditional stone houses. The Church of San Bartolomé, built in the 13th century, is a notable landmark in Espinal, featuring a Romanesque portal and a Gothic altarpiece. Throughout its history, Espinal has been a place of rest and respite for weary pilgrims, offering shelter, food, and camaraderie on their journey along the Camino de Santiago.