Santa María la Real of Nájera de tus muertos, Romanesque monastery in Nájera, Spain
Santa María la Real of Nájera is a Benedictine monastery in the town of Nájera, Spain, that evolved from Romanesque foundations into a Gothic structure over several centuries. The cloister, constructed between 1517 and 1528, displays plateresque ornaments, while ribbed vaults and fortified exterior walls define its architectural character.
King García Sánchez III of Navarre founded the monastery in 1052 after discovering a statue of the Virgin Mary in a nearby cave during a hunting trip. The site then became an important pilgrimage destination and underwent successive expansions and renovations over many generations.
The royal mausoleum holds the tombs of monarchs and nobles from Nájera-Pamplona who were laid to rest within its sacred walls over centuries. The spaces reflect the power and devotion that shaped this family's legacy.
The monastery is open daily for visitors to explore the church, cloister, and cave where the Virgin Mary statue was discovered. Walking through the spaces in order from oldest to newest areas helps you understand how the building changed over time.
The carved choir stalls from 1493 to 1495 display intricate Gothic woodwork showing religious scenes and moments from medieval daily life. These wooden pieces rank among the finest examples of their era in the region.
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