Javier's Castle

This castle is one of the most beloved monuments and landmark of Navarre. It was lifted in medieval times with a defensive role but, undoubtedly, it is known because here St. Francisco Javier was born, the patron of Navarre, a Jesuit missionary who devoted his life to preach the Gospel throughout the world, especially Asia.

The holy navarro lived in this castle until he left to study in Paris, where he met a person who was going to change his life, St. Ignacio de Loyola. San Ignacio, San Francisco and other partners, founded a new company of religion, the Society of Jesus or Jesuits.

As for the history of Javier´s Castle, its origins date back to the 10th century, when it rose the Tower of Homage or San Miguel as a watchtower. But little by little, after successive phases, the initial construction is taking shape of strength.

After the annexation of the Kingdom of Navarre to that Kingdom of Castile, Cardinal Cisneros ordered to demolish some of the defensive elements of the Castle, elements that have been recovered to restore the building to its original appearance.

A tour through the different places in the Javier´s Castle approaches us to the medieval fortress, with its defensive elements.

It deserves special mention of the Chapel of Christ Javier, located in the foyer that gave access to the castle. Through the gate you can see the size of the fifteenth century Gothic, whisch represents a Smile Christ. The walls of the chapel were decorated with paintings depicting the medieval "Dance of Death", in which skeletons are dancing.

But we can also approach the life of the saint and the important legacy that he left in Asian countries like India, Japan or Indonesia.

After the rebuilding works undertaken in 2005 we can see a collection of objets from Asia, a collection of paintings, models… that complement the journey through the history of the monument.

Other information of interest: the Javieradas.

This is a pilgrimage which is held annually in early March and that was repeated two weekends in succession. Javier pilgrims come from all points of Navarre, as well as other places, and the pilgrimage ends with a mass at the open area of the castle.

[For information on guided tours visit the Tourist Services section or contact with us in info@gesartur.com]