On your journey through Pyrenees de Navarre, when you make the essential visit to the beautiful places of the Irati Forest, you will have the opportunity to discover a curious example of industrial architecture.
Can you imagine that in these leafy Navarrese Pyrenean valleys you can find the remains of a munition factory which dates back to 1784, at the time of del king Charles III?
Indeed it is about the former Royal Orbaizeta Munitions Factory, which was built in these mountainous areas at the end of the 18th century on an old forge.
The reason for choosing this location was that it was close to some iron mines and surrounded by forests with wood that could be used as a source of energy in the furnaces.
Furthermore, located in a gorge next to a river, it thus had the necessary water for the manufacture of iron bombs, grenades and ammunition of different calibers.
All the information in detail
Curiosities history of the Orbaizeta weapons factory
La Orbaizeta weapons factory It became the most important in Spain in its time.
La weapons factory history It was not too long because, being very close to the border with France, it was a cause of conflict during different wars, such as that of Independence or even in the carlist wars.
Finally, the factory Orbaizeta It closed in 1884.
In 2007 this enclave was declared A Cultural.
For visit the Orbaizeta weapons factory, you must access through the southwest area of the Irati Forest, from Aribe, on the N-104.
Currently you will be able to see the remains of the old building next to the river, both from the road and from the viewpoint located on an esplanade where there is an old church, now used as a warehouse.
Only if you are accompanied by a authorized tour guide you will be able to enter the fenced area of Orbaizeta, and in this way be able to walk the different corners of the factory, such as the old ovens or the arches that cover the river.
Below you have a gallery of photos of the old Orbaizeta weapons factory in the Irati Forest of Navarra.
Visit it like any other spectacular Navarra.