Museo de Estelas is one of the most unusual and fascinating cultural sites in the Pyrenees of Navarre. Located in the small mountain village of Abaurrea Alta, near the famous Irati Forest, this open-air museum combines history, archaeology, landscape design, and local traditions in a truly unique setting.
The museum is built around the old cemetery beside the Church of San Pedro, where dozens of medieval and post-medieval funerary stelae were discovered. These stone monuments, known in Basque as hilarriak, were traditionally placed above graves and decorated with symbolic carvings linked to religion, nature, astronomy, and local beliefs. Many of the stelae date from between the 13th and 19th centuries and provide valuable insight into the rural culture of the western Pyrenees.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the museum is its design. The former cemetery has been transformed into a landscaped labyrinth with small paths and elevated walkways that allow visitors to observe the stelae from different perspectives. Several of the stones remain in their original position and orientation, creating an authentic historical atmosphere rarely found in similar museums.
The symbols carved into the stones include crosses, stars, moons, animals, flowers, and solar motifs, reflecting a mixture of Christian and older popular traditions. Each stela is different, and visitors are encouraged to interpret the meanings and stories hidden behind these ancient carvings.
Visits are usually guided and include an introduction explaining the symbolism and history of the site. The museum is relatively small, and most visits last around 45 to 60 minutes. Comfortable footwear and a light jacket are recommended, even in summer, since Abaurrea Alta is one of the highest and coolest villages in Navarre.
Info and reservations: https://museodeestelas.com/
Posted on May 8, 2026
