Nájera was under Muslim rule until 923, when it was conquered by the kings of Pamplona and León. It became one of the main political centres of the Kingdom of Pamplona-Nájera in the 10th and 11th centuries, and several kings ruled from here. Its position on the Camino de Santiago and the River Najerilla helped make it an important medieval settlement. The name Nájera comes from the Arabic Náxara, traditionally interpreted as "place between rocks", a reference to the cliffs surrounding the town.
What to see in Nájera
Monasterio de Santa María la Real
The Monasterio de Santa María la Real was founded in 1052 by García Sánchez III and his wife Estefanía. According to legend, García decided to build the monastery and a pilgrim hostel after following his falcon into a cave and finding an image of the Virgin beside a bell, a lamp and a vase of lilies. The cave survives inside the monastery, although the image displayed there today is a later Gothic carving known as the Virgen de la Rosa. The Panteón Real contains the tombs of kings, queens and other members of the royal families that ruled Nájera-Pamplona and Navarre. The adjoining Claustro de los Caballeros later became a burial place for noble families.
Where to stay in Nájera
Albergue de peregrinos de Nájera
Albergue El Peregrino Najerino
Albergue Puerta de Nájera
Albergue Nido de Cigüeña
Albergue Las Peñas
Albergue Sancho III - La Judería
