Monastery of Santa María de la Estrella, San Asensio

The Monastery of Santa María de la Estrella is a sanctuary that combines late Gothic and Neo-Gothic architectural styles in its design. The complex includes a square cloister with quadripartite vaults dating from 1430, the Knights' Gate, a royal fountain, and a modern sanctuary building.

In 1403, Bishop Juan de Guzmán placed the shrine under the care of Hieronymite friars, marking its transition toward religious community life. Official recognition as a monastery came in 1419 through a Papal Bull issued by Martin V.

The monastery served as a training ground where religious artists developed their skills and techniques. Juan Fernández de Navarrete, a painter from Logroño, started his artistic education here before becoming an important figure in Spanish art.

The sanctuary is open to visitors from Monday through Saturday and is best explored on foot. The layout allows easy movement through all areas, including the gates, cloister, and fountain without navigating difficult terrain.

The name originates from an oak tree that bore an engraved star symbol, which gave the place its distinctive title. This discovery was significant enough that the original Basque name Aritzeta was replaced with the Spanish word for star.

Location: La Rioja

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

GPS coordinates: 42.51670,-2.74917

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:42