For new visitors to Pamplona, the quantity and quality of preserved history in Navarra is astonishing. Quick Google searches of the names donned upon the streets of Casco Viejo open an encyclopaedia of lore – perfect for the inquisitive mind.



One bastion of history, which this author stumbled upon recently, is that of King Sancho El Mayor. His efforts in the Kingdom of Navarra have left jewels around Spain. Not far from the borders of Navarra we can find a lasting remembrance of his reign.



Castillo de Loarre is hidden within the rock facade of the Pyrenees which acts as a curtain to camouflage the castle. It is so effective that the structure is not even visible to visitors until they are within a few kilometres of it – requiring blind trust in one’s navigator. This difficulty faced by even the most tech-savvy GPS user proves why this castle was a fortress of defence for Sancho El Mayor against the Muslim powers of the romantic age.



Not only acting as a remembrance of a great past, Castillo de Loarre is an architectural triumph. Remaining free of major modifications, it is a preserved example of the pinnacle of military architecture of its time – an accomplishment officially recognised by its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



Walking around this medieval castle is treacherous at times. With narrow passageways, the surprisingly high altitude that forces regular ear popping, and raging winds drawn from the surrounding mountains, this is no easy retreat. However, the opportunity to step inside a royal lair dating back one millennia is worth the effort.



Quick Facts:

• Year 1020 – 1035 – Built by the order of King Sancho III El Mayor. It acted as a Military fortress.
• Year 1071 – King Sancho Ramírez initiated the Castle to become a Monastery.
• Year 1287 – The surrounding wall enclosure was built.
• The castle was used in the filming of the Orlando Bloom movie, Kingdom of Heaven.
• Best method of travel to the castle is by car.