Navarra Guide 2019

an enthralling cUltUral legacy a hospitable border town, Sangüesa can boast of having been one of the most im- portant places on the Way of St James from somport in the middle ages. evi- dence of the splendour of those days are its civil buildings, churches and convents. its chief artistic attraction is the Church of santa maría, declared a national mo- nument in 1889. the doorway, built in the 12 th century and based on the Last Judge-

ment, is one of the finest treasures of Navarrese mediaeval art. Carry on along Calle mayor and discover the monumental pala- ces of añués and iñiguez-abarca, the town hall and the valle- santoro palace, now the local Culture Centre. wander through the historic centre and find the convents of El Carmen and San francisco de asís (13 th century), and the Churches of san salva- dor and santiago.

▲ Javier, the castle

a Castle worthy of the PatrON SaiNt OF Navarre the silhouette of the castle of Javier , outlining its crenellated towers, seduces most people on sight, inviting you to enter to see where saint francis Xavier, one of history’s most universal missionaries and patron saint of navarre, was born and lived. although the castle was partially destroyed in 1516, it has since been reconstructed, the latest work being carried out in 2006. it is well worth crossing the drawbridge to enter its world of towers, dungeons, loopholes and elegant chambers. In early March, the area around the castle fills with life on the occasion of the popular pilgrimages known as Javieradas .

make the most of your visit to the town and try the local pochas beans, a delicious pulse eaten while fresh. if you like traditions, go on the 6th of January to see the Auto Sacramental of the magi (dramatic represen- tation), one of only five still performed in spain.

sangüesa, Church of santa maría

▲

aOiZ, lUmBier, SaNgÜeSa, Javier, leyre | 29