THE CASTLE OF OLITE NAVARRA
In the center of Navarra and in the merindad of the same name, is the town of Olite, also known for its Basque name: Eriberri and both names are official.
Olite is a small city and has 3980 inhabitants whose name is olitenses or olitejos, due to its central location it is located very close to populated centers most important in Navarra. It is 388 meters above sea level and its climate is temperate, with warm, dry summers and cold winters.
The fundamental economic activities They are found in the secondary and tertiary sectors (industry, commerce and provision of services) and viticulture is the agricultural activity of more importance. Olite is considered the most emblematic wine city of Navarra, maintaining a relationship with wine that has spanned more than two millennia.
The territory of Olite was inhabited by man since the Superior paleolithic and Neolithic so the area has been prosperous in finds of materials such as flint and ceramics. The Romans also inhabited these lands, as proven by the copious finds of archaeological remains.
Today, Olite keeps its medieval appearance: cobbled streets, beautiful churches and a palace, one of the most beautiful in Spain, make this destination one of the most attractive that the north of the Iberian Peninsula offers. Come meet him!
Olite Royal Palace
Es one of the most impressive palaces in Spain and most beautiful in Europe. Its construction was carried out on the foundations of a 13th century fortress and has gone through multiple expansions, renovations and restorations, the last during the 20th century.
Charles III the Noble was the one who ordered the expansion of the castle, thus turning it into the Royal Palace. It is part of a larger set that has two distinct sections: the old or Tybalt palace and the new palace.Read more
This was built in the XNUMXth century and its architectural style is French civil Gothic. Large perimeter walls, in the corners it has circular turrets, the towers have unequal heights since the construction of the palace took place in different stages. What is certain is that this palace is a must when visiting Olite.
Church of Santa María la Real
The church of Santa María is a of the most important Gothic buildings in Navarra. It is attached to the Royal Palace, it was used by the Navarrese monarchs for great commemorations and solemn events.
The construction of the temple started in the 13th century. On its façade you can see the influence of French architecture of the time, it is similar to the cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris. On the cover it has eight archivolts and, on its sides, arches containing sculptures of the apostles.
It's a temple from a single ship, very well proportioned and among its decorative elements stands out a Renaissance altarpiece that is presided over by a Gothic carving of the Virgin and the image of the Christ of the Good Death. He altarpiece, with five vertical bodies, contain 28 panels painted in oil with different religious scenes.
St. Peter's Church
St. Peter's Church can be considered the mother church of Olite in the middle Ages. Its construction began in thirteenth century and has had modifications over the centuries, so it combines different architectural styles such as Romanesque, Gothic-Cistercian, Gothic and Baroque.
Its cover is Romanesque, with six archivolts. The borders between these have abundant decorative motifs. Inside, the temple is square in plan, with a main nave and two laterals. All covered by rib vaults. A main altarpiece houses a carving of Saint Peter in its central niche. On the Gospel and Epistle sides there are also altarpieces.
Outside there is the tower, Gothic style, finished in the shape of an arrowhead and 54 meters high.
Monastery of Santa Engracia
It is a 13th century building, initially it was the main hospital of the order of San Antonio Abad, later it was inhabited by Saint Clare and the Poor Clare sisters, who moved to Olite from Pamplona when the original monastery was burned during the Convention War.
Its façade is simple, medieval style with the structure typical of this type of buildings. In a niche there is present a carving of Santa Clara. The interior decoration has beautiful images and a Rococo style altarpiece.
Spire Tower
It is the most representative civil architecture building in Olite. It was built as checkpoint for products entering the town, such as grains, oats, bread, legumes and salt.
later was headquarters of the Town Council. It was part of the Roman walled area. The tower is also known as Clock Portal, due to the bell clock at the top; the first of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula. The one that, in addition to marking the hours, served to communicate to the neighbors and councilors about the beginning of the council, and at night with 40 bells The curfew and the closing of the city gates were announced.
