El Leyre Monastery It is one of the most important areas that we have in our country. Both for its historical and architectural part. It is about several buildings that create a unique set and in a good state of conservation with Romanesque elements and numerous details that mark an entire era.
We are going to Navarra to be able to enjoy the Monastery of Leyre and all the legends that have been created around it. As we well say, it is a Magic place that we must visit. Today we will take a tour of it and we will provide you with all the information you need to know.
How to get to the Monastery of Leyre
Walk to the Sierra de Leyre is the monastery. So it is about 5 kilometers from the Yesa reservoir. It is precisely about 50 kilometers from Pamplona, so to get there, there are easy accesses from both Navarra and Aragon. One of them is to take the A-21 Pyrenees highway. You will take the Yesa exit, which is exit 47. For about 4 kilometers you will follow the road that takes you to the monastery. Remember that you can also go on the N – 240. If you don't want to take your car, there are buses from Pamplona to Liédena or Pamplona to Yesa.
What to see in the Monastery of Leyre
Apses Square
Once there, we can start our visit that can start from the Apses Square. So we will begin to admire the beauty of the place from outside. We will enjoy the three apses that start from the church, that is, three blocks with their windows. The tower is the quadrangular shape and just to the left, we can see the new monastery. While if we look to the right, we will find the medieval monastery dating from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
The Crypt
Although it bears that name, it is not a crypt as we know it. Since there is no data that it has been used as a burial area. It has quite wide arches that are placed in an overlapping way. It is an entrance with columns of unequal shapes. At first it was raised as a crypt with three naves and with a clear Romanesque style. The entrance door to this place is the oldest in the whole..
Tunnel
Just after the Crypt, we will find the San Virila Tunnel. It is closed, but communicates with the new monastery. Right at the bottom of said tunnel we will find an image of Saint Virila dating from the seventeenth century. Virila was a monk who, according to legend, was walking around the place when he began to listen to the songs of the birds and fell asleep. When he woke up, no one in the area knew him since more than 300 years had passed.
The church of San Salvador de Leyre
The church plays on contrast. Since in it we can find different parts such as the Romanesque headboard. It is built on the crypt and is one of the oldest in Navarra. On the other hand is the nave, also in Romanesque style but higher than the head. The Gothic vault is the one that covers the nave with more than 14 meters wide. The picture of Santa Maria de Leyre He is the one who presides over the church.
Porta Speciosa
This is the spectacular XNUMXth century portico. Columns and capitals decorated with Saint Peter, the Virgin and the Apostles. In addition, there are two birds with intertwined necks, which is the work of the Master Esteban the man and author of the Puerta de las Platerías in Santiago de Compostela.
Patio of the Hospedería
It is the courtyard that was from the medieval monastery. I know it is located between the area where the hotel is and the church. Now there is only one capital, since due to abandonment, the cloister of this area disappeared.
The monasteries
On the one hand we have the old monastery dating from the XNUMXth century. Some walls and the tower remain from it. In the middle of the XNUMXth century it was decided to build another monastery, given the state of the original. Although the first was in the north, the new monastery is in the southern part. That is, between the valley and the church.
Hours and prices of the Monastery of Leyre
From March 1 to October 31, Visiting schedule They are from 10:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m. But from November 1 to February 28, the hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. If you opt for a free visit then you will pay 3,20 euros for adults, while children up to 12 years old 1,70 euros. The guided tour is € 3,70 for adults and € 1,70 for children. Whereas if there is a group of about 25 people, approximately, then the price stays at 3,20 euros.
The surroundings of the Leyre monastery
In the middle of nature, the Monastery of Leyre has privileged views. Starting from the two great ones that we find in this area, Salazar and Roncal, the Sierra de Leyre appears dazzling in them. Right at the bottom of the monastery is the Yesa reservoir that leaves a perfect combination of colors and peace throughout the area. In addition, you can go to the source of San Virila. A place that pays tribute to the monk we mentioned earlier. To get to this point, take the N-240 road 300 meters after Yesa, you have to turn right at a well-signposted crossroads. You can leave your car in the parking lot that the monastery has, to follow all the indications that say 'cañada real' on foot. In just a few minutes you will find the source.