Spain - Navarra - The House of San Francisco de Javier

NAVARRA - SPAIN
Castillo de Javier

Sent by Mirian, a postcrosser from Navarra, Spain.

"Here important works of art are housed, such as a Spanish painting collection from the 15th to 20th centuries and a Japanese kimono from the 19th century. There are also a number of historic documents.

It dates back to the 5th century. The patron saint of the Comunidad Foral de Navarra was born in 1506. It was the family residence of several leading families such as the Artieda, the Jaso-Azpilicueta, and the Aznárez. The fortress has undergone various transformations throughout its history. The New Palace was constructed adjoining it at the end of the 15th century. It is now occupied by a basilica dating from the 20th century. Inside the castle, special mention should be made of an 18th century Flemish encaustic work, representing the agony of San Francisco de Javier, a 16th century altarpiece in polychromed alabaster representing the Adoration of the Magi, and various murals centring on the Dance of Death. Another of its treasures is the Cristo Chapel, headed by a 15th century polychromed wooden carving of Christ on the cross. There are also six huge, outstanding Baroque canvasses, work of Godofredo Maes, as well as a sculpture of Francisco de Javier, dated around 1622, the year of the saint's canonisation. The castle became a museum in 1986, after major archaeological restoration work."

Practical info
Construction: Castle

Origin: 10th century

Artistic period: Gothic

Historic period: 10th century

(Source)