Royale palace of Olite
The Royal Palace of Olite is one of the most important historical – artistic building complexes in Navarre.
Currently, it’s divided into three parts: the old palace (current Parador hotel), the ruins of the San Jorge chapel and the new palace, which is the part of the monument that can be visited.
The building you visit today was built between 1402 and 1424. It includes a complex of rooms, gardens and trenches surrounded by high walls accented by several towers that give it a spectacular silhouette. The promoter of the building was Charles III “The Noble” (King of Navarre from 1387 to 1425). As his moniker indicates, this good king from a French dynasty (Evreux) is known more for his love of culture and luxurious palace life than for military campaigns. And as a testament to that, he left this stunning legacy in the form of a palace, which in its day was one of the most luxurious in Europe.
Charles III “The Noble” married Leonor de Trastámara in 1375, and they had eight children together, among them was Doña Blanca (Queen of Navarre between 1425 and 1441) and mother of the Prince of Viana. This family enjoyed the relaxed life of the court at Olite into the 16th century.
The deterioration of the palace began in 1512, with the union of Navarre and Crown of Castile, because it was only used as a sporadic residence for the viceroys.
In 1813, during the war of independence, the was palace was burned by the general from Navarre Espoz y Mina to keep the French from barricading themselves in it. All the interior and part of the structure burned, leaving the palace empty and semi-destroyed.
In 1923, the regional government of Navarre held a competition to create a restoration project. Construction began in 1937 and it lasted approximately 30 years.
The palace is so beautiful it can be visited without a guide, instead letting yourself be guided by the beauty of the architecture and the surrounding area. But, if you want to really learn about a place, you shouldn’t miss the guided tours where they’ll tell you all about the palace and its inhabitants. If you prefer to visit on your own, but you want a full explanation, you can get an audio guide.
