Museum of the castle of Javier

The Castle of Javier, whose origins go back to the 10th century, underwent and archaeological restoration starting in the 1950s. It became a museum in 1986. Due to the celebration of the Fifth Centenary of St Francis Xavier in 2006 it underwent another major refurbishment.

Museum of the castle of Javier (Javier)

Castle of Javier

Apart from its interest as a defensive centre and residence of a number of influential Navarrese families (Aznárez, Artieda and Jaso-Azpilicueta from the 16th century), it conserves several works of art and historical documents. Among the former is a collection of Spanish painting from the 15th to the 20th centuries (Murillo, Coello, Carreño, Maella, V. Bécquer, Lucas, R. Madrazo and Salaverría) and another of Japanese kakemonos from the 19th century, with scenes from the life of St Francis Xavier.

Other notable pieces are the polychrome alabaster altarpiece of the Adoration of the Magi (16th century), St Francis Xavier in the throes of death, an 18th-century Flemish waxwork and the Miraculous Christ (14th century), surrounded in the saint's chapel by interesting murals representing the Dance of Death.

Address Castillo de Javier, 31411 Javier
Owner:The Company of Jesus
Content: Fine Arts and archaeology. St Francis Xavier (Francisco de Jaso y Azpilicueta 1506-1552) and his life as a missionary in the Far East. The castle and its restoration
Opening hours: Winter: 1530-1730. Summer: until 1830.
Contact tel. and Fax:948 884 024 / 948 884 259
Admission fee 2 €. Children up to 12 years of age: 1 €. Groups (minimum 20 people): 1.50 €

Government of Navarre