Locality: OLITE (31390)
Address: Plaza Carlos III El Noble
Zone: The Central Zone
Website: www.palaciorealdeolite.com
Interesting links
Style: Gothic
Centuries of construction: XIV
Visiting hours: de verano 2010: junio y septiembre, de lunes a viernes, de 10:00 a 19:00. Sábados y domingos, hasta las 20:00. Julio y agosto, todos los días, de 10:00 a 20:00. **Última entrada media hora antes del cierre.
Price of the visit: 3,10€. Descuentos especiales para determinados colectivos y grupos. 1€ de descuento presentando la entrada de adulto del Museo del vino.
Tel.: 948740035
Fax: 948741273
E-mail: info@guiartenavarra.com
The Palacio Real (Royal Palace) of Olite, the seat of the Court of Navarre until its union with Castile (1512), was one of the most luxurious mediaeval castles in Europe. A 12th-century German traveller wrote his impressions in his diary, now conserved in the British Museum in London: "Surely there is no king with a more beautiful castle or palace and with so many gilded rooms".
Looking at its majestic profile and the elegance of its whimsical towers, it is not hard to imagine oneself back in the mediaeval era and to feel the life of the Court in a palace that was richly decorated and had exotic gardens and even a zoo! Jousts and tournaments were held here, as were pelota games and even bullfights. Olite evokes that past today, in which it became the seat of the Court during the reign of King Carlos III 'el Noble', during its annual Mediaeval Fair.
*Timetables and prices are approximate. Please check with the institution.