Monastery of Leyre
Monasterio de San Salvador de Leyre
A thousand-year-old Benedictine monastery on a hillside, known for its Romanesque underground crypt and the moving Gregorian chant of its monks.
One of Navarre's most important monasteries, Leyre has been the spiritual centre of the Kingdom of Navarre and its royal burial ground since the 11th century. Its highlight is the 11th-century Romanesque underground crypt, with stout, short columns and archaic capitals. The 'Special Portal' at the west entrance of the church is finely carved. Benedictine monks still live here, and attending morning or evening prayers allows you to hear Gregorian chant. The monastery overlooks the Yesa reservoir, and the views are expansive. Admission is about 4 euros. It is about 50 km from Pamplona.
Opening hours
About 10:00–19:00 (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Castle of Javier
- Foz de Lumbier
- Ujué
- Irati Forest
- Roncesvalles
- Plaza de Toros de Pamplona
- Royal Palace of Olite
- Monumento al Encierro