The abbey of Santa María la Real de la Oliva, or simply La Oliva, is a Cistercian monastery in Carcastillo, Navarre, Spain.
An example of Romanesque architecture, the buildings have been protected by a heritage listing since 1880, and the site is currently classed as a Bien de Interés Cultural, the Ex-monasterio Cisterciense de Santa María de la Oliva.
It is considered the oldest monastery in Spain. The Abbey was founded, quite probably, in the year 1145 by the king of Pamplona García Ramírez called the Restaurador. He obtained the favor and support of the papacy, the nobility and the monarchy, (both Navarran and Aragonese, first, and Spanish, later), becoming, in the middle of the 12th century, one of the most powerful and influential monastic centers in Navarre thanks to its extensive heritage and its great library.
It was declared a National Historic Monument on April 24, 1880. Until 1927 it was not inhabited and rebuilt again.
The majestic main façade opens the doors to a magical place. The church of Santa María, with a Gothic and a Romanesque part, was financed by Sancho VI the Wise and his son Sancho VII the Strong. It was built in ashlar stone between the 12th and 13th centuries.
Cistercian austerity can be seen in the simple decoration of the temple, which barely sticks to plant, animal and fantastic motifs and some keystones in the vaults. It has a chapter house that was part of the primitive cloister from the 12th century and is a beautiful expression of pro-Gothic work. From the church, we can access a beautiful Gothic cloister from the 14th century.
How to get to?
From Pamplona 55 min (66.4 km) via AP-15
From Madrid 4 hr 5 min (354 km) via A-2
Working days
Tuesday
9AM–12:30PM
3–5PM
Wednesday
9AM–12:30PM
3–5PM
Thursday
9AM–12:30PM
3–5PM
Friday
9AM–12:30PM
3–5PM
Saturday
(Father’s Day)
9AM–12:30PM
3–5PM
Hours might differ
Sunday
Closed
Monday
9AM–12:30PM
3–5PM
