Monday 18th December 2023
Olite, Aragon
We were again not travelling far today, so decided to stop off en-route, at the small town of Olite in Aragon on the recommendation of our friends, Jeeves and Michelle, who had visited previously.
The city centre area was decorated for Christmas and this included a puppet (Punch?) character who had apparently landed via parachute directly on a pinnacle.
In the main square, a large miniature tableau representing Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth, had been created:
The central square is where the front door of the palace church faces.
…and as usual, I managed to find a couple of stone gargoyles, these are depictions of dogs:
It is a picturesque town (actually a small city) with many medieval buildings and narrow streets, but the main attraction is the Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite, or “Palacio Real de Olite”, built originally in the 13th century with many additions dating later until the 15th century. It was the seat of King Charles II of Navarre in the 1380s.
It became derelict in 1837 after it was set on fire to avoid Napoleon using it as a fort. After 100 years of being a ruin, its restoration commenced in 1937 and was mostly completed in 1967, but work continues to this day.
In its restored state, the palace/castle is the stuff of fairy-tails with many turrets and towers. In its heyday, with all the rooms in use as intended and all ornately decorated, it must have been impressive.
Alongside the palace walls, we found this huge, egg-shaped structure. No idea of its use, but around the back was a bricked-up opening.
Also of interest were a couple of tall chimneys which provided nesting spots for cranes. I assume they are pairing up ready for breeding.
Alberite de San Juan
We headed on to the small village of Alberite de St Juan, to rejoin our fellow travellers, Jeeves and Michelle and spend the night there.
Excellent facilities and a quiet location for 5€ payable via an honesty box.
"See-u-Later" 