Zugarramurdi is a small village in the Navarrese Pyrenees, known for its dark legends of witches and secret gatherings.
The Witches’ Cave has a stream running through it that was once said to be used in rituals and pacts with the devil. The village became infamous in the 17th century when it was the centre of one of Spain’s most notorious witch trials.
On November 7, 1610, fifty three people were tried in Logroño, accused of witchcraft. Eleven were sentenced to death and six were burned at the stake. These events left a lasting mark on the village and its history. According to local legend, witches gathered in the cave for sabbaths. They danced with the devil and took part in ceremonies that alarmed the community and church authorities.
María de Ximildegui: Witches of Zugarramurdi
One of the most remembered figures from this period is María de Ximildegui. In 1610, she was accused of witchcraft by her neighbours, Under pressure and torture, she confessed to participating in sabbaths. Her testimony was used to accuse others and formed the basis of one of Spain’s largest Inquisition trials.
Fifty two other villagers were accused, and eleven were sentenced to death, including Graciana de Barrenechea, Juana de Arburu, and María de Arburu. These women were described as leading figures in the cave rituals. They allegedly practised black magic, flew through the air, and transformed into animals. The trial in Logroño became a public spectacle, with executions meant to intimidate anyone who challenged the faith.
Years later, the Inquisition began to realise that many of the accusations were false or exaggerated. María and the other victims were likely caught up in collective fear and religious paranoia. After this trial, Spain became much more cautious with witchcraft cases, and no more witches were burned. This contrasts with the rest of Europe, where trials and executions continued for centuries.
Museum of the Witches
The Museum of the Witches in Zugarramurdi now tells the story of these events. Through audiovisual displays, interactive screens, and recreated scenes, visitors can learn about the inquisitorial process and what life was like in the village four hundred years ago. The museum honours those who suffered under superstition and injustice while exploring 17th-century Basque society, showing both its light and dark sides.
The exhibits go beyond the folklore of witches, showing the real men and women accused of impossible acts. Visitors also discover local myths, traditional medicine, and rituals, including figures like Mari and Aker. The stories reveal a world of festivals, pagan customs, and herbal remedies.
For those planning a visit, the museum can be contacted at +34 948 599 004, the cave at +34 948 599 305, or by email at info@zugarramurdi.es. For more information head to the Museo de Brujas website.
Museum of Witches in Zugarramurdi.
