Olite’s claim to fame is definitely the the Royal Palace of Olite. The palace is often referred to as Olite Castle, probably because it looks more like a military bastion than a residence.
It was, however, used primarily as a home for Charles III, the Noble, King of Navarre.
In the 14th century, the king commissioned a new palace to be constructed next to the original palace from the 11th century. The Royal Palace of Olite became his favorite residence and is where the Seat of Royal Court of the Kingdom of Navarre was established.
The French-born Charles was more known for his luxurious lifestyle than for his military campaigns. The evidence of which could be seen within the palace’s furnishings and its many courtyards and hanging gardens. In addition, the king kept many exotic animals at the palace such as giraffes and lions. During King Charles reign, the Royal Palace of Olite was said to be one of the most beautiful of Europe.
In 1512, Navarre was invaded and the palace began to deteriorate. Afterwards, it was only used occasionally as a residence for noblemen. Then, during the Peninsular War in 1813, the palace was intentionally burned by the Navarre General, Espoz y Mina, in an attempt to prevent the french troops from using it for strategic purposes. As a result, all of the furnishings and palatial artifacts were lost and the palace was left in terrible shape. In 1937, a restoration of the palace began and continued for another 30 years until it was finally completed.
Today, the Royal Palace of Olite is only a shell of its former self but it still retains much of its fairy tale characteristics. There are countless towers that are scattered throughout the palace that conjure up images of Cinderella, Rapunzel, and even Super Mario.
Each one of them is slightly different and has its own appeal. The towers are a lot of fun to climb and have really amazing views of the rest of the castle, the town, and the surrounding landscape filled with vineyards.
In addition, there is a sense of disorder to the palace that is the result of continuous expansion efforts made throughout the years. These expansions were never built according to an overall plan. The towers and overall disorder only add to the palace’s charm.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
Although the main attraction to Olite is, without a doubt, the French Gothic palace, the town itself is very lovely. Olite boasts two churches within its small walled boarders.
Below, the oldest church in Olite, San Pedro Church which lies in the opposite corner of the town from the Royal Palace. San Pedro is from the 12th century and features an impressive Romanesque facade and cloister.
Santa Maria Church (13th century) which is located directly next to the palace.
The village still feels relatively untouched and the locals have done a great job of keeping the town to a high standard. There are plenty of nice hotels including the Parador which occupies part of the old palace. There are also plenty of great restaurants and the surrounding vineyards supply tasty reds and rosés.
Town Hall of Olite
HOW TO GET THERE FROM SAN SEBASTIAN
You will need to take two buses to get there. In both routes, the bus company is the same, Conda-Alsa. The bus leaves from the bus station in PASEO FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA 1
From San Sebastian to Pamplona
The first buses leaving from San Sebastian are 7:00; 8:30; 9:30; 10:00; 11:30…
It takes around 1 hour and a round ticket costs aprox. 15,70€ (you can buy the ticket online)
(for futher information check www.conda.es)
From Pamplona to Olite
You have buses leaving from Pamplona to Olite almost every one hour 10:00; 10:30; 11:00; 12:00
The bus takes around 45 min and it costs 3,80 € (you can buy the ticket online)
(check the schedule and prices in: “www.conda.es”)
Usac San Sebastian 