Corners You Must Visit In Estella, Navarra
Estella is a beautiful town in Navarra. It has the peculiarity of joining several tourist attractions: being a step on the Camino de Santiago, the natural beauty that characterizes the north of Spain and an architecture, especially Romanesque, very well preserved. Imagine all that this town has to offer you!
This is what there is to see in Estella
Strolling through Estella is to discover wonderful churches, mansions and palaces. Such is its wealth that it was called “Toledo of the North”. What should you not miss?
1. Church of San Pedro de la Rúa
It is a church of medieval origin dating from the 12th century and one of the great treasures of this town. There are documents that mention it since this century, although the possibility that it existed before is being considered.
In the 13th century it obtained the title of the main church of the city. To get there you must climb a staircase from the Palace of the Kings. Do not miss its beautiful cloister.
2. Church of the Holy Sepulcher
It ceased to function as a parish at the end of the 19th century and, although it cannot be visited from the inside, only its facade will make you fall in love. It dates from the 12th century, although it was completed in the 14th. The parts of the epistle and the central nave are missing. However, this Gothic-style church deserves to be visited.
3. Palace of the Kings of Navarra
It is located in the Plaza de San Martín and is the best example of civil Romanesque in Navarra. It dates from the 12th century and its two floors, built in ashlar masonry, are separated by a molded cornice.
On its first floor, the four arches that it has stand out, while on the second floor its huge windows stand out. It was the residence of the Navarrese kings, although since 1991 it has been used as a museum to exhibit works by the painter Gustavo de Maeztu.
4. Jail Bridge
It was known by this name because in medieval times it was the only bridge that connected the prison to the city. However, it was destroyed by various wars, although it was rebuilt keeping its original shape in the 19th century.
Today it connects the old and modern areas of the city and is popularly known as the “picudo bridge” due to the shape of a peak in its central part.
5. Plaza de los Fueros
A beautiful square surrounded by balconies adorned with flowers and the largest and most characteristic place in Estella. It is a meeting point for the inhabitants of the town and one of the best places to spend a fun time. It is full of bars, restaurants, cafes and places where you can enjoy a drink.
6. Other places of interest
In Estella you will find many more buildings and corners that are worth a visit. Among the religious constructions we can highlight the churches of San Miguel and San Juan, the basilica del Puy or the convent of Santa Calara. Of the civil architecture, it is worth mentioning the palace of Sancristóbal or that of the Governor.
Enjoying Estella
In addition to admiring its architectural legacy, you can also enjoy Estella in other ways :
1. Salt water spring
This salty water spring is located on the banks of the Ega River and is a magnificent place to visit both in summer and winter. Admission is free and its water keeps the same temperature all year round, 17 degrees. It is reputed to be a healing and beneficial water for health, so it is very visited.
2. Estella medieval week
If you are lucky enough to visit this town in July, you can enjoy the medieval week. This festival that lasts a week and in which you can see bird of prey shows, parades, parades of knights and princesses, jugglers and endless other diversions.
The Great Medieval Tournament is one of the great events. It is about a gentlemen’s fight, yes, but in which all the spectators must be dressed in period costumes. Don’t forget to bring yours!
This has been our visit to Estella, a small city but, as you can see, it has a lot to visit. Put it on your list for the next vacation you have!
Cover photo: Hans-Jakob Weinz
