Viana, the Navarrese city that gives its name to one of Princess Leonor's titles: historic churches and a walled old town
Leonor is not just the Princess of Asturias . The heir to the throne holds other titles, including Princess of Girona, Duchess of Montblanc, Countess of Cervera, and Lady of Balaguer. She also holds the title of Princess of Viana , the traditional title of the heirs to the former Kingdom of Navarre , created in 1423 by King Charles III of Navarre for his grandson.
To this day, 600 years later, the title remains valid, and not only that, Princess Leonor, along with the King and Queen, will visit the small town that gives it its name. Viana, in Navarre , is known for its rich heritage and long history as a strategic point for the Kingdom of Navarre. The Royal Family will be welcomed in the town on September 27th , where they will tour all of Viana's main attractions.
Viana, a strategic location for the kingdomViana's history dates back to 1219, when it was founded by King Sancho the Strong as a strategic point from which to defend Navarre from the Kingdom of Castile. From those long centuries of wars, attacks, and sieges, the walled structure of its historic center remains to this day.
Another notable architectural heritage site is the Church of Santa María de la Asunción , declared a National Monument in 1931. Built in the Gothic style in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, its imposing façade stands out, a true Renaissance gem. Inside, we'll be amazed by the Baroque main altar and side chapels with wooden altarpieces, as well as the tomb of Cesare Borgia , son of Pope Alexander VI.
From churches to town hallContinuing with religious buildings, the ruins of the Church of San Pedro are also worth a visit. Currently, only a side nave, part of its chancel, the retrochoir, the tower and the Baroque doorway remain, however, the grandeur of this 13th-century Gothic temple can still be appreciated. Also on the list are the Convent of San Francisco , built between 1642 and 1677; the very simple Hermitage of San Martín , located between the Valdevarón and Longar streams, and the Hermitage of the Virgen de Cuevas , located right on the Camino de Santiago.
On the other hand, Viana has an interesting civil urban planning, highlighted by the beautiful Town Hall building . Located in the Plaza Mayor, this 17th-century town hall features a porticoed gallery with semicircular arches that decorates its French Baroque-style façade, dominated by a huge Spanish coat of arms.
Other historic buildings we'll find while strolling through the town include the Casa del Peso (Weight House ), built in 1772 to store and sell goods such as grain, and the old pilgrims' hospital , one of the few surviving 15th-century Gothic civil buildings in Navarre. In addition, there are old gateways to the city, such as San Felices, Santa María, San Juan, Estella, and La Solana.
Nature and gastronomySpending time in the natural surroundings of Viana is also a must. For example, in the area, you'll find the El Bordón bird observatory, on the Las Cañas reservoir, as well as more than 65 kilometers of trails spread over five marked circular routes that depart from the town center. These routes take in sites such as the place where Cesare Borgia died and the Longar Hypogeum, a tomb dating from between 2650 and 2500 BC.
And finally, we can't forget the local cuisine . Its prestigious agriculture and livestock farming have earned the city several quality designations and geographical indications , from Rioja wines to olive oil, asparagus, lamb, and beef from Navarra.
20minutos
