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Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite

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Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite (Spain)

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The Palace of the Kings of Navarre in Olite (Palacio Real de Olite) is a medieval Gothic palace in Olite, Navarre, northern Spain. Built primarily between the 13th and 14th centuries, it served as the royal residence of the Kingdom of Navarre. The palace is characterized by its ornate towers, battlements, and large halls. The most impressive room is the Throne Hall (Sala de los Reyes), with a magnificent carved wooden ceiling depicting kings and queens. The palace also features a chapel, gardens, and a series of defensive walls. After the annexation of Navarre by Castile in 1512, the palace declined. It was declared a national monument in 1925 and underwent extensive restoration from 1937 to 1973. Today, it operates as a Parador hotel, offering visitors a chance to stay overnight in a historic setting. The palace is a major tourist attraction, drawing over 250,000 visitors annually.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C4481014192121171384
Rain mm685564656253313143577755

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Palace of the Kings of Navarre in Olite is fully accessible, with many towers and halls. You can explore independently or with an audio guide.
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Typical hours
The palace is open daily, winter 10:00-18:00, summer until 20:00. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed indoors, but banned in some rooms with delicate tapestries. The towers offer great panoramic views.
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Time needed
Allow about 1.5-2 hours for a thorough visit. The many towers and the roof invite exploration.
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Combine with
Olite itself is a pleasant small town with wine cellars and medieval atmosphere. Nearby Pamplona with its old town is worth a day trip.
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Getting there
By car, reach Olite via the A-15 motorway, exit 40 or 41, then follow signs. Parking is available near the palace.
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Insider tip
Climb the main tower for a fantastic view over the surrounding plain. A glass of wine at a local cellar completes the visit.

Geography

Coordinates
42.48100, -1.64800

Facts

  • The palace covers 4,000 square meters and features 20 towers.
  • The Throne Hall (Sala de los Reyes) is 24 meters long and 12 meters wide.
  • The palace was built over two centuries, with the oldest parts dating to the 13th century.
  • The ornamental ceiling of the Throne Hall was carved in the 14th century from walnut wood.
  • The palace's gardens were redesigned in 1964 following medieval plans.
  • It was used as a film set for 'The Star of Navarre' (1968) and 'El Cid' (1961).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

OliteOlite<1 km · NExplore →
Calahorra (municipal capital)Calahorra (municipal capital)33 km · SWExplore →
MutilvaMutilva34 km · NExplore →
Bardenas RealesBardenas Reales36 km · SExplore →
PamplonaPamplona37 km · NExplore →
SarrigurenSarriguren37 km · NExplore →
TudelaTudela46 km · SExplore →
ArnedoArnedo47 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite (10)

Iglesia de San Pedro

Church building in Olite, dedicated to Saint Peter.

Palacio Real de Olite

Monument, former royal palace of the Kings of Navarre in Olite.

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Iglesia de Santa María

Cultural property in Olite, church dedicated to Saint Mary.

🕒 Mo-Fr 11:00-13:30,16:00-18:30; Sa 11:00-14:00,16:00-19:00; S♿💶

Garerías medievales

Medieval galleries with natural lighting in Olite.

Capilla de San Jorge

Ruins of a chapel dedicated to Saint George.

Portal de Tudela

City gate in Olite, historic entrance to the old town.

Palacio Viejo🏰 castle

Monument, old palace in Olite, part of the castle complex.

Puente

Remains of the bridge that crossed the city's defensive moat.

Chimenea

Monument, chimney in Olite, witness to the town's history.

Galerias Medievales🏛 museum

Museum in Olite, displaying medieval galleries and finds.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why does the palace look so irregular?
It was expanded over decades without a master plan, which gives it its fairytale appearance.
Was it a royal residence?
Yes, it was one of the seats of the court of the Kingdom of Navarre.
How long does the tour take?
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the towers and gardens.
Can you stay overnight in the palace?
Part of the complex is a Parador hotel where you can stay like royalty.
Is the palace open in winter?
Yes, the palace is open year-round, except for a few holidays.
Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite: where is it located?
Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite is located in Galicia, Spain.
Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite: what is there to see?
Highlights include Iglesia de San Pedro, Palacio Real de Olite, Iglesia de Santa María.
Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite: why is it worth visiting?
The Palace of the Kings of Navarre in Olite (Palacio Real de Olite) is a medieval Gothic palace in Olite, Navarre, northern Spain.
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