The enigmatic ruins of the Royal Munitions Factory in Eugi

In the Navarrese Pyrenees, hidden under a dense beech forest, lie the ruins of the Royal Munitions Factory of Eugi. An amazing place that will make us travel back in time through history and that reminds us of the industrial past that was once lived in this area. All of this in the midst of a privileged natural environment that is well worth a visit.

A bit of history

The construction of the Royal Weapons Factory of Eugi dates back to 1766, during the reign of Charles III, although there were already two other forges in operation in the area, in Olaondoa, today under the waters of the reservoir, and in Olazar, at the confluence of the Artesiaga stream and the river Arga, also known as the "fábrica de arriba" and the "fábrica de abajo". It is also known that forges existed in Eugi much earlier, the first in 1410, the Orrerarri forge. The reasons for this: a large forest mass with which to make charcoal, an iron mine and a river capable of moving the machinery.

The site of this new factory was located higher up than the two previous ones, in the Olaberri area, next to the river Arga. The concept of the new factory was pioneering in its kind and was based on the new chain production systems of the industrial revolution, which required an architectural design with great coordination between all the facilities. In total, the new factory-village occupied 10,000 square metres and was able to house a population of 500 people.

Its main activity centred on the manufacture of cannonballs of various calibres for the Spanish army. The manufacturing part had two furnaces, refinery and moulding workshops, carpentry, two large coal bunkers and eight ashlar arches over the river where the water wheels were placed to move the bellows and screw jacks. Then, on the other hand, there was the part destined for the population, which had housing for the workers, stables, a palace house and a chapel, among other things.

The end of its activity came suddenly, on 17 October 1794, when it was destroyed by the troops of revolutionary France during the Convention War, after a battle in which 200 people were killed and 700 taken prisoner. It was never to be used again, and from then on, vegetation began to take over the factory until it was practically engulfed. After more than 200 years of abandonment, the recovery works started in 2012 brought to light this place, which can be considered as the oldest remains of purely industrial activity in Navarre, and in 2016, it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

Some photos

If you want to visit this place...

It is located on the road to Puerto de Urkiaga, 8 km from Eugi and about 10 km from the border with France. It is just over 30 kilometres from Pamplona. See in Google Maps how to get there.

The site is open to the public and free of charge. Next to the ruins you can leave your car and visit it at your own pace. You will find some information panels.

Another option is to arrange a guided tour. You can ask in Eugi at Olondo Historical Reference Centre.

Nearby you may be interested in:

Climb to Adi (1457 m) from Urkiaga

Okoro (1,259m) via the Artesiaga pass and Mount Erreguerena.

Royal Arms Factory of Orbaiceta

Routes in Selva de Irati, to discover the kingdom of the forest