Navarrenx

The commune stretches along both sides of the Gave d'Oloron river, encircled by fortification walls measuring 1.7 kilometers in length and 10 meters high.

Italian architect Fabricio Siciliano designed the town's defensive ramparts in 1538, establishing military architectural principles that preceded Vauban's fortification methods by a century.

The Arsenal building, formerly used for storing military supplies, now functions as a refuge for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago and hosts musical performances.

Visitors can access multiple entry points through preserved gates while following informative plaques that detail the structural history throughout the fortified walls.

The Bastion des Contre-Mines contains a 120-meter underground tunnel system that demonstrates advanced military engineering from the 16th century.

GPS coordinates: 43.32215,-0.76104

Latest update: March 4, 2025 02:57