Donibane Garazi: A fortified historic town in the Pyrenees

Donibane Garazi is a fortified town located at the foot of the Pyrenees with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. Founded in the 12th century by Navarrese kings following the destruction of Donazaharre, the town served as a strategic enclave for controlling commercial and military transit between the Iberian Peninsula and Europe.

The town is characterized by its pink sandstone facades, carved lintels, and wooden timber framing. Key historical landmarks include the Santiago Gate, a Gothic church, the former prison of the bishops, and the Mansart house. For centuries, the town has been a vital stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago traveling toward Compostela before ascending the Ibañeta pass.