The Castle of Javier is considered one of the most important castle fortresses in Navarre. This castle is a very good example of defensive architecture in Navarre. In 1994 it was declared Good of Cultural Interest. Other castles in Navarre that are also very beautiful are in Olite and in Ujue.
History
The construction of this castle, of Romanesque origin, started only with the tower Homenaje de San Miguel (the tallest tower of the castle) at the end of the 10th century. The castle is close to the border between Navarre and Aragon, which used to be two kingdoms (now they are provinces). Therefore, this castle had a strategic importance, which led to the construction of the rest of the castle. For years it served as defense from Navarre.
After the conquest of Navarre by the Kingdom of Castile, the castle got new owners. These were before the independence of the Kingdom of Navarre. For this reason Cardinal Cisneros, from Castile, ordered the complete demolition of the castle in 1516.
However, this was only partially successful. Among other things, the entire wall that the castle was demolished, the moat filled in and the drawbridge demolished. In the 19th century, the basilica of Javier was added on the left, where the Palacio Nuevo (“New Palace”). In this Palacio Nuevo became San Francisco Javier born. At the end of the 19th century, the castle was restored.
San Francisco Javier
In this castle San Francisco Javier (“Saint Francis Xavier”) born on April 7, 1506. He lived in the castle until he was 19 years old. Then he went to Paris to study. There he met Saint Ignatius of Loyola and together they founded the Society of Jesus. Xaverius became a missionary and visited many villages and towns in Africa and Asia until his death on December 3, 1552. In 1622, San Francisco Javier canonized by Pope Gregory XV.
He was later named patron saint of Navarre and to this day he retains this title along with the first bishop of Pamplona, San Fermín (“Saint Firminus”). Since 1985, December 3, the day of his death, has been Navarra Day.
Activities in Javier and surroundings
The castle of Javier can be visited from the inside with a guided tour or on your own. During a visit to the castle you can see the different rooms such as the main room, which was a place of reception, or the room of San Francisco Javier.
There is also a museum inside with objects from the old castle and three-dimensional exhibits about the life of San Francisco Javier. To book, click here. There is also the option to visit the castle virtual to visit.
Since the prayers to San Francisco Javier helped overcome a cholera epidemic in Navarre in 1886, pilgrimages are made each year by thousands of people from all over Navarre. These are usually held on the first two weekends in March and are also known as Javieradas.
Monasterio de Leyre
Next to the impressive Javier Castle is the Monasterio de Leyre (“Monastery of Leyre”) definitely worth a visit. The monastery has existed since the 9th century, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Europe. It is a peaceful, spiritual place with a rich history. You can visit the monastery with a guided tour (in Spanish), but you can also look around independently. More information is here to be found.
The monastery is still inhabited by Benedictine monks and offers beautiful views of the turquoise Embalse de Yesa (“Yesa Reservoir”). For those looking for a special overnight stay, the monastery also offers accommodation*. It is a great place for those who want to stay in a historic and peaceful building. *Overnight stays are currently not possible due to renovations.
