The pilgrims of Way of Saint James They know her well. Located practically at the end of the climb towards Sierra El Perdón, in the municipality of Astrainvery close to the viewpoint, there is Source Reniegaa spring of fresh water which quenches the thirst of walkers, especially on the hottest days.
The fountain, as we know it today, was built in 1990 under the name Gambellacoseither fountain of the gambalasbut there was always at that time a jet of clear water in a shadowy area of the path where the pilgrims who had left Pamplona towards Puente la Reina could catch their breath.
As with almost everything, Navarra, and in this specific case, the way of Saint Jamesexplain the name of the fountain which was even used to name a well-known park in Mayor of Zizur.
Enter the chapter of legendsbut it is not because it is a legend that it has its charm. According to the doctor and writer Estelles Juan Ramon Corpas in his book Curiosities of Navarrejust then, one of those hot days when the heat presses the Pamplona Basina pilgrim who left late attacks him.
Distressed and very hot, he could barely walk and his waterskin was empty. Just as he managed to contain his labored breathing, he thought he heard a strange noise among the brambles. When he approached them, he appeared out of nowhere the devil in the form of a handsome knight.
The demon offered him the opportunity to cool off and drink as much as he wanted but on the sole condition that he renounce it. God. The pilgrim weighed the option, but his faith was stronger and he decided to reject it. The Devil insists by offering him water: “If you do not deny God, at least deny him Virgin Mary” he told her.
The offer was tempting, but the pilgrim was firm in his refusal, so the demon made a third attempt: “To drink my water, you will only do one thing. Apostle Saint James and you will be able to quench your thirst.”
The pilgrim then, almost out of breath, drew strength from where he had almost none so as not to give up a third time and began to pray for help towards the heights.
Hearing how he implored the name of God, Satan disappeared between a cloud of sulfur leaving a nauseating odor in the air, but after a few seconds, the pilgrim had the sensation of entering into a sort of reverie. In front of him, the apostle Santiago offered him his pilgrim’s shell filled with water so that he could drink it.
When the image of the apostle disappeared, in the very place where it was, it began to sprout a stream of clean, clear, fresh water where, a few seconds ago, there was only dryness. This spring continues to provide water to pilgrims today, and this legend gives its name to the spring.
