Among the longest names in the world, highlights a small Navarrese town. To be this the largest in Europeis added as another of the many curiosities of Spanish municipalities. And behind its extensive name, the historical and geographical heritage of the Baztán Valley.
In their 39 letters a meaning is hidden which refers to “low field of the high corral”a description of its location in the valley. Then, we will explore the singularities and traditions of this city.
What is the city with the longest name in all of Europe?
In Navarre, 57 kilometers from Pamplonais the city with the longest name in all of Europe: Azpilicuetagaraycosaroyarenberecolarrea. It’s so long that it takes up more than half a line in this article.
Although its abbreviation is used, Azpilkuetafor practical reasons, this particular name continues to attract attention. Its translation would be “low field of the high corral”, in reference to the landscape of the Baztán valley, where it is located with 11 other municipalities.
It has less than 190 inhabitants and is divided into four districts: Urrasun, Arribiltoa, Zuastoi and Apaioa. One of the virtues to highlight of this Spanish corner is that it is surrounded by nature, while its geography and architecture reflect Navarrese tradition.
Some historic buildings, such as Cabo de Armería Palace and Iriartea Houseretain their original structure. THE parish church of Saint-Andréwith altarpieces from the 18th century, is another point of interest that perpetuates the history of the city.
The legends and myths of Azpilkueta
One of the elements that enrich the history of Azpilicuetagaraycosaroyarenberecolarrea These are their legends. In the local imagination (Basque mythology), the story of two mythological beings buried in the nearby mountains.
These characters, called lamias, are described in Basque mythology as female figures who seduced men and devoured children. It is said that these demons were responsible for several storms that hit the region.
About the heritage of the city with the longest name in Europe
- Cabo de Armería Palace: This palace, an example of Navarre’s defensive architecture, has been preserved for centuries and represents the noble history of the region.
- Iriartea House: a manor house of noble origin, which currently preserves the details of its original construction.
- Saint-André Church: This church is a reference in 18th century religious architecture in the valley. Its altarpieces, still well preserved, are distinguished by their design and ornamentation.
Comparison with other long names around the world
Even though Azpilkueta holds the title of city with the longest name in all of Europe, There are other places around the world with identical or longer names.which are distinguished by their meaning or simply by their curious length:
- Äteritsiputeritsipuolilautatsijänkä (Finland, 35 letters): Finnish marsh whose name has no particular meaning.
- Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg (United States, 45 letters): Lake in Massachusetts, whose name means “frontier fishing place”.
- Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein (South Africa, 44 letters): A farm in South Africa whose name means “the river where two buffalo were killed with a single bullet”.
- Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu (New Zealand, 85 letters): Hill in Hawke’s Bay, whose name describes the summit where the great traveler Tamatea played the flute for his beloved.
- Bovenendvankeelafsnysleegte (South Africa, 27 letters) – the name of a valley in South Africa, translated as “end of the cut throat”.
- Venkatanarasimharajuvaripeta (India, 28 letters) – a city located on the border between the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, known for its unusually long name.
