The Sanctuary of San Miguel in Excelsis is a place of legends with more than a thousand years of history. Inside it houses the Altarpiece of Aralar, a masterpiece of European enamelling that surprises by its composition with more than 39 pieces. The legend has it that it was a gift offered by Richard the Lionheart to Berengaria of Navarre, as a promise that he would marry her.

As for the temple, it also has its own legend with fantastic overtones. According to this traditional account, Theodosius of Goñi, on his return from the war against the Arabs, was deceived by the devil, who told him his wife was betraying him with a servant. Furious, he ran to his bedroom with a dagger and stabbed the couple lying on it, who turned out to be his own parents. Realizing his crime, Theodosius went to Rome to ask forgiveness to the Pope, who condemned him to return to the mountains dragging some chains. When he arrived at Aralar, Theodosius met a dragon and implored San Miguel to defend him. The saint appeared to him, killing the dragon and freeing him from his chains. In gratitude, Theodosius built the sanctuary where it is said that his chains are still kept.