Horreo of Iracheta

Did you know that one of the oldest ´horreos´ of Spain is in Navarra?

As a pilgrim, with more or less walking experience, you surely know the “horreos” of Galicia and Asturias: those old constructions in stone and wood that can be seen along the Camino and in general all over the geography of Galicia and Asturias.

But, did you know that, although far less common than in Northwestern Spain, in Navarra we also have ´horreos´, and one of the oldest ones in Spain is here, merely 25km from Pamplona?

It’s the ´Hórreo de Iracheta´, in the village of the same name, in the Valdorba region, and along with the Palace of the Kings of Navarra (in Estella), it’s one of the best samples of Romanesque civil architecture in Navarra.

It has a rectangular shape and is about 70 sqm. It’s held over 10 semicircular arches and it’s made of stone, which accounts for its having lasted to the present day, as opposed to others that were made in wood or adobe and which have obviously not standed the pass of time.

Some authors date it on the IX or X century under a clear preromanesque influence from Asturias, while others delay its origin to the XI, XII or even early XIII century. It’s clear anyhow that its function would be that of all ´horreos´: to store and protect food and grain from the gound humidity as well as from mice or other plagues.

But, which may be the origin of this ´horreo´? Iracheta belonged to the Navarran monarchy, which would have donated it to the Monastery of Irache in the XII century. In the late XII century it would have become property of the Order of the ´Caballeros Hospitalarios de San Juan de Jerusalen´, which had a pilgrims hospital in the place, dependant on Leache. These institutions probably kept here their taxes, paid in grain, from the territory they ruled over.

The Valdorba region is also rich in other romanesque constructions, especially religious ones, such as the Ermita de San Pedro Echano or the Ermita del Cristo de Katalain, where it’s known that a pilgrims hospital also existed.

The village of Iracheta is beautiful anyway: really well preserved and kept, and well worth a visit, including a stroll down to its romanesque bridge.