Battle of Valdejunquera

On July 4, 920, the Emir of Córdoba, Abd al Rahman III, after assembling a powerful army, ordered his generals to depart towards the upper border or march frontier. This aceifa (military campaign), known as jihad or holy war, aimed to punish the kings Sancho Garcés I of Pamplona and Ordoño II of León, who had attacked Córdoba's domains.

The Umayyad army was formed by warriors of different origins: Berbers, Arabs, Syrians, mercenaries, and Slavs. The latter formed part of the emir's personal guard.

After a long journey, they reached Tudela, where the Banu Qasi contingent from the city joined them. From there, they headed to Calahorra and almost immediately crossed the Ebro River seeking the route of the Ega river valley northward.

On the 25th, the first combat took place at Di-Zarra (Lizarra), possibly to capture the Umayyad leader’s attention and lure his army to the desired meeting point: the Valley of Guesaláz.

The long Muslim column followed the route from Villatuerta, Arándigo, and Ugar, reaching near Muez after crossing the Ubagua river. It was at this point where the combat between the two armies occurred, ending fatally for the Vascon and Astur-Leonese troops.

From the Monte Irujo viewpoint, one can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the three canyons visible—Ubagua, Obantzia, and Erragoz—and the different villages in the Valley of Guesalaz.

In Muez, visitors can admire the medieval church, the parish of Santa Eulalia, dating back to the early 13th century, although only part of the choir section, which is offset compared to the rest of the nave built in the mid-16th century, remains preserved.

Notable on the facade, set into its walls, is a Roman tombstone from the 1st century BC. Also prominent, adjacent to the church, is the so-called Casa del Conde, with two towers still discernible, transformed into new homes, which once served as the village's entrance.