Artajona, human settlement in Spain
Artajona is a hilltop town in Navarre, Spain, enclosed by a medieval fortification known as El Cerco. Nine of the original fourteen towers still stand, and the church of San Saturnino was built as a fortress church, forming part of the defensive wall itself.
El Cerco was built in the 11th or 12th century, when this hilltop position made it a key point for controlling the surrounding land. The church of San Saturnino was later added to the fortification, designed from the start with thick walls and defensive features.
The name Artajona comes from Basque and means "place of oaks". The stone streets inside El Cerco are narrow and closely lined with old houses, giving a clear sense of how people once lived within a fortified space.
A large parking area sits just behind El Cerco, and well-kept paths lead directly to the walls and towers. It is worth checking with the local tourist office before visiting, as guided tours for the church and the walls are available and can enrich the visit.
Artajona is the only place in the world where bells are rung upside down, a technique that produces a different sound from standard bell ringing. This practice has been used by local bell ringers since 1896, and the oldest bell involved dates from 1735.
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