WHAT TO SEE IN ESTELLA
Between mountains and the Ribera Alta of Navarra, in a bend of the Ega River, is Estella, from the Tierra Estella region, its name in Basque is Lizarra.
Estella Lizarra is so hidden between the Santa Bárbara, Balástegui, Cruz de los Castillos and Montejurra mountains, that according to a saying from the people of Estella: the visitor does not see Estella until he reaches her. This geographical location protects it from the wind and softens its climate.
The population of Estella is close to the 14.000 inhabitantsHowever, archaeological finds have left evidence that it has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Shape part of the Camino de Santiago. In addition to receiving and providing services to pilgrims, economic activity of the city is concentrated in commerce, hospitality, transportation and agriculture and livestock on a smaller scale.
Estella with spectacular religious and civil monuments, for this reason it is known as the monumental city o the Toledo of the North. Walking for its quiet streets It will allow you to discover them: churches, the palace of the Kings of Navarra, stately mansions, beautiful mansions, the emblazoned buildings of Calle Mayor. Travelers are an important part of the history of this beautiful town, kind to those who visit them. Do you dare to meet Estella?
Church of San Pedro de la Rua
It is a construction from the 12th century, is located at the top, from where you can dominate the entire city; his 13th century doorway, and has eight archivolts. The church has three naves, three sections and inside it contains the baroque chapel of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of the city. Highlights the slenderness of the bell tower and Romanesque style cloister of singular beauty.
Church of San Miguel Arcángel
It is at the top of La Mota. It is a church of three naves and three sections. The header stands out for its triple circular apse. The cover of the gospel is an artistic gem; On the tympanum is the image of Christ in Majesty, surrounded by the symbols of the four evangelists, the Virgin and Saint John as intercessors at the time of judgment. Inside, the altarpiece of Saint Helena and the representation of the discovery of the cross.Read more
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
On Curtidores Street, the old Rúa de Los Peregrinos, is the church of the Holy Sepulcher of Estella. The one that was brotherhood of the Holy Sepulcher in the year 1123. The cover is gothic style, early 14th century and is crowned by a group of six niches that house an apostolate, and the figures of Santiago and San Martín de Tours.
Palace of the Kings of Navarra
It is also known as Palace of the Dukes of Granada de Ega It is one of the few buildings civil Romanesque character that exist in Navarra. Its construction dates back to second half of the 12th century. The design of the façade and the porticos stands out. In the 18th century it was renovated and a third floor was added, a brick gallery with archery of bent arches.
From the 14st of June 1991 It is the headquarters of the Gustavo de Maeztu Museum. The rooms of this museum are distributed on the last two floors of the building, where it is possible to enjoy lithographs, drawings, paintings, and other pieces by the artist.
Major Castle
It was one of the medieval fortresses of Estella. It is estimated that it had already been built in the 11th century. During the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries it was a royal residence, with numerous dependencies. Today some walls are preserved.
Llanos Park
Es Estella's green lung. It is located in the heart of the city and next to the Ega River. The vegetation of the park makes it home to the most varied fauna and a haven to enjoy the long walk of fields and benches along which it is possible to walk, play sports and enjoy this small forest.
