IKABURU CAVE

This cave originated thousands of years ago due to continual erosion of the Urtxume River. A guided visit through its galleries (the only way to get to know it) takes you into a magical world of stalactites and stalagmites, besides reviving evocative memories of the legendary figures, guerrillas and smugglers who occupied it in bygone days.

It is considered to beNavarre’s most important prehistoric site. No less than 20,000 years ago, humans already inhabited these hills, less hospitable and welcoming than today, and they were often forced to seek shelter and safety in caves. This was during the Upper Paleolithic Age, when metal (bronze, copper or iron) instruments were still unknown and domestic utensils such as weapons for hunting and self-defence were made with stone.

Urdazubi/Urdax has been the focus of much archaeological research, resulting in finds of burins, back blades, scrapers, flint harpoons, a bone sewing needle, food waste and remains from a human burial, indicating that the Paleolithic humans who inhabited these lands lived from 10,000 to 20,000 or 30,000 years ago. The first reports of this cave date to 1808, when it was used by people seeking refuge during the Peninsular War. From 1965 on, it began to be mentioned as a tourist attraction; it is currently owned by the Municipal Council of Urdazubi/Urdax, which has made it an interesting and appealing site for tourists and nature lovers.

This extraordinarily beautiful natural space was carved out underground over many centuries. They say that humble water, dripping ever so slowly over the centuries, can perforate the ground and create the wonders that people are now able to admire and enjoy.