The house of San Francisco de Javier

Here important works of art are housed, such as a Spanish painting collection from the 15^th to 20^th centuries and a Japanese kimono from the 19^th century. There are also a number of historic documents.

It dates back to the 5^th century. The patron saint of the Comunidad Foral de Navarra was born in 1506. It was the family residence of several leading families such as the Artieda, the Jaso-Azpilicueta, and the Aznárez. The fortress has undergone various transformations throughout its history. The New Palace was constructed adjoining it at the end of the 15^th century. It is now occupied by a basilica dating from the 20^th century. Inside the castle, special mention should be made of an 18^th century Flemish encaustic work, representing the agony of San Francisco de Javier, a 16^th century altarpiece in polychromed alabaster representing the Adoration of the Magi, and various murals centring on the Dance of Death. Another of its treasures is the Cristo Chapel, headed by a 15^th century polychromed wooden carving of Christ on the cross. There are also six huge, outstanding Baroque canvasses, work of Godofredo Maes, as well as a sculpture of Francisco de Javier, dated around 1622, the year of the saint's canonisation. The castle became a museum in 1986, after major archaeological restoration work.