Santa María la Real of Nájera

Right after entering, one understands it is a wonderful place. The elegant royal stairs, the impressive model in the entrance and the door to the Caballeros cloister are just an anticipation to the magnificence of this royal place.

Pantheon of the kings of the old kingdom of Nájera-Pamplona, built at the beginning of the Middle Ages from the cave where king Don García found the image of the virgin. A cave that you can also visit by the way and it is one of the most secluded places of the monastery.

Different styles: from the Roman or the Gothic to the beautiful Plateresque offer their splendor, without forgetting the exceptional cloister, full of filigrees, made by wise hands reminding me of golden spiderwebs. The shape of the capitals allude to the wine area around.

The impressive architectural ensemble left me flabbergasted. It is worth going to Nájera just to spend the morning contemplating this church and listening the guide's explanation. The stalls of the choir is a Gothic masterwork created by the brothers Amutio in 1493. It was a place used by the monks for collective prayers and the mix of profane and religious elements, plants and various faces is curious. Anyway, a real jewel you have to contemplate for a long time. Do not miss out on the canvas of the higher part, some amazing paintings of the 15th century.