Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite Castle

Address: Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite (Palacio Real de Olite), Olite, Navarre, Spain

The Palace of the Kings of Navarre of Olite is a medieval royal palace complex in the town of Olite, Navarra, noted for its towers, terraces and courtyard arrangements. It functioned as a principal royal residence for the medieval Kingdom of Navarre.

Visitors encounter a labyrinth of fortified towers, decorative façades and inner courtyards that reflect the palace’s dual role as a fortress and a ceremonial residence. Restored sections present reconstructed rooms and walkable ramparts.

Construction and major enlargement took place across the medieval period, with significant building activity in the 14th century under Navarrese royal patronage. The palace suffered damage and partial ruin in later centuries and was the subject of restoration work in the 20th century.

The complex sits at the heart of the small town of Olite in northern Spain’s Navarre region, forming a dominant feature of the town’s historic core.

• 14th-century expansion: Major construction phases date to the medieval period with important expansion in the 14th century under the Navarrese monarchy.

What to See#

• Royal apartments: The royal apartments and ceremonial halls that formed the core residential spaces of the medieval palace complex.
• Towers and courtyards: Fortified towers, terraces and inner courtyards that give the complex its characteristic skyline and visitor circulation routes.

Olite is about 40-45 minutes by car from Pamplona and accessible by regional trains from Pamplona and Tafalla to Olite station; the palace sits within the town’s historic centre and is walkable from the station.

• Book a guided tour to reach upper towers and lesser-seen rooms - these often require escorted access.
• Visit at golden hour for the castle's façade on the hilltop; the warm light is flattering to the sandstone.
• Combine with a walk through Olite's medieval streets and stop at a winery for Navarra's distinctive reds.