[2025 Estella Attraction] Travel Guide for Iglesia del Santo Sepulcro (Updated May)
2.5
Historic buildings
Iglesia del Santo Sepulcroの住所:
C. Curtidores, 6, 31200 Estella, Navarra, Spain
The finest sample of Navarre Romanesque style
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The building is in Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the transition is clearly visible inside.
This is a simple church. The north door is richly decorated in Romanesque style and is considered one of the finest Romanesque doors in Navarre. Its most interesting features are the reliefs on either side of the doorway, depicting scenes from the Resurrection and the struggle of the Archangel Michael. Inside the church there is a Gothic altarpiece painted on stucco. This is the burial place of Marquis Muruzabal and Marquis Aegea. Sculptures on the altar include the 17th-century St. Crispin.
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Alyssa Keir
Its construction spanned several centuries, until the 16th century, so it has very diverse architectural elements, Romanesque, Gothic or Renaissance
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It is one of the oldest churches in Estella. Construction began at the end of the 12th century in Romanesque style.
Originally, the church was built on a Latin cross plan with three naves, of which only the Evangelical nave (the one closest to the road) still stands, with a semicircular apse on top and a Gothic doorway on the side. Throughout the 14th century work began on a new apse with two polygonal apses, one in the central nave and the other in the epistle nave. However, the work was never fully completed, which ultimately paralyzed the work on the church in the 16th century.
In the early 19th century, the temple was threatened with destruction, so the central nave and one of the side naves were demolished, leaving only the Gospel Nave. In 1881, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre ceased to be a parish, closed its doors, and parishioners moved to the nearby Church of San Pedro de la Rua.
The most striking feature of this church is the 14th-century Gothic doorway. It is a doorway consisting of a pointed arch flaring outwards, with twelve simple arches and angels on the keys. The arches are supported by simple columns with continuous capitals decorated with plant motifs. The tympanum is divided into three sections and has interesting historical decorations. The lower body represents the Last Supper, with the table in perspective so the cutlery and food can be seen. The upper body depicts the Passion of Jesus, surrounded by the Virgin Mary and Saint John, while the middle body depicts scenes from the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. There are two sculptures on the outside of the column, namely the patron saint Santiago and Saint Martin of Tours.
Supporting the lintel are two corbels with two Jewish faces on them.
At the top of the main facade, there are six niches with pointed arches on each side of the doorway, in which sculptures of the Twelve Apostles can be seen.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is not open to the public and you cannot visit its interior. Of its three naves, only two still have foundations, and only the Gospel Nave still stands.
However, the church is worth visiting if only to see one of the most beautiful Gothic porches in Navarre, which is also in a good state of conservation.
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Alyssa Keir
Church with a remarkable blend of architectural styles
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The Church of San Juan Bautista de Estella reflects centuries of history. Located at the heart of Plaza de los Fueros, it stands as one of the city's most iconic religious buildings.
Its origins date back to the 12th century, although it has undergone various modifications, resulting in a structure that combines Romanesque, Gothic, and later elements. Particularly noteworthy are its ornate Gothic façade and interior, where visitors can find several chapels featuring fascinating altarpieces.
One of the most striking aspects of the church is its sturdy tower, which contributes to its robust appearance. Additionally, this church has played a significant role in the city's life, serving as the headquarters of one of Estella's oldest parishes.
The surroundings add to its charm: the lively Plaza de los Fueros, where the church is situated, offers a perfect spot to relax and peacefully admire its architecture.