Irissarry, Basque village of the Templars

Irisari

Where are we?
In the heart of the village
The Templars in Irissarry
Agenda

Irissarry is one of the first iconic places to visit when you enter the Basse Navarre. The village, which is located 15 minutes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, is home to the must-visit Ospitalea commandery.

The Baïgura peaks and the Iparla ridges host a haven of greenery that complements the traditional architecture of the village.

Where are we?

Irissarry (or “Irisari” in Basque) overlooks the village of Ossès, which is 10 minutes away. Its location will allow you to explore the many attractions in the area. You will be 15 minutes away from the fortified town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and its citadel. Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry, at the entrance to the Aldudes valley, is only 20 minutes away.

My itinerary recommendations:

● If you are arriving from the Basque Country, take the D22 road through Hasparren and Hélette. You will arrive at the top of the village. Stop here for a moment to admire the panoramic view over the Baïgura peaks and the Iparla ridges before making your way down to the village.

● If you are arriving from Mauléon-Licharre, take the Osquich pass road (D918), then the D933. The panoramic view from the mountain pass over the Saint-Palais valley is breathtaking.

In the heart of the village

Irisariko Bihotzean

Saint Jean Baptiste church

vue du village d'irissarry entouré des somets basques — OTPB

The church dates back to the 15th and 17th centuries. You will be able to admire its exterior architecture and magnificent bell tower. The church is adorned with stained glass windows telling the story of Saint John the Baptist. Make sure you take a moment to stroll through the cemetery to admire the discoidal steles.

Crossroads cross

Located near the entrance to the Ospitalea commandery, this cross reminds us that the village is a step on the Nive route (an alternative to the Compostela road which passes through Hélette and Ustaritz)

The Templars in Irissarry

The Commandery Ospitalea

Ospitalea

The Commandery, called "Ospitalea" in honour of its founders, the Order of Knights Hospitallers (Order of Malta), is home to a Heritage Education Centre, an essential place to discover the local history and culture, thanks to its rich programme of exhibitions and activities for young and old.
The bold renovation of the Commandery combines a magnificent marriage of the old and the contemporary, which will delight lovers of architecture.

Centre d’Education au Patrimoine Ospitalea

The exhibition room

Erakusketa

Throughout the year, the Ospitalea commandery hosts numerous exhibitions: paintings, sculptures, photos, etc.

Heritage Education Center Ospitalea

The media library of the Ospitalea commandery

Mediateka

The media library of the Ospitalea commandery

The Ospitalea Commandery

The Ospitalea commandery that we know today was built on the foundations of a first commandery built in the 12th century, on the same site.

The Ospitalea Commandery

Agenda

Animazioak

Fêtes

Bestak

During the month of May each year

The village highlights

Festibala

Irriz Ari comedy festival: for 2 days every year at the beginning of October, the Show’lidarité association organises the comedy festival. Some of the greatest names in French comedy have been performing at the festival for the past 11 years.