Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi

Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi is a former Franciscan friary in Olite (also known by its Basque name, Erriberri), a small town in Navarre in northern Spain. The building sits on the edge of the historic centre, just a short walk from the famous Royal Palace of Olite, making it a natural stop on a walking tour of the town.

How do you get to the convent in Olite?

Olite lies about 40 km south of Pamplona, along the main road connecting Navarre's capital with the Ribera region. Driving is the most convenient option — the trip from Pamplona takes under half an hour. Regional buses also serve the town, and the train station has connections to Pamplona and Tudela. The convent itself sits within the old town, so once you arrive it's best to continue on foot; the narrow medieval streets aren't built for cars anyway.

What will you see at the Convent of St Francis?

The building stands out for its cruciform floor plan, typical of older monastic churches, and for its Romanesque dome and apse — elements that survived later rebuilding and remain the oldest, most recognisable part of the complex. These architectural details are worth a close look, since they show how the plain, austere forms of medieval monastic architecture differ from the richly decorated parish churches found elsewhere in the region. While walking the surrounding streets, it's also worth noting how the convent fits into Olite's skyline alongside the town walls and the towers of the royal palace.

A short history

Franciscan friars lived in the convent in Olite until 1266. They then moved to their community in Sangüesa, where they remained until the building in Olite was rebuilt in 1635. That centuries-long gap in use explains why today's structure combines an older Romanesque core with later, seventeenth-century additions — a layered building history that's common in Navarrese towns of this size.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to explore Olite, with mild temperatures and, in the surrounding countryside, the grape harvest and local festivals tied to Navarre's wine tradition — the area is known for wines under the Denominación de Origen Navarra. Summers can get hot, especially at midday, though evenings are pleasant for wandering the old town. It's worth pairing a visit to the convent with an afternoon at the Royal Palace of Olite and the town's defensive walls — everything sits within a single, easy walk of a few hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is the convent open to visitors? The building now serves purposes different from its medieval use, so access to the interior can be limited — check current opening details at the Olite tourist office for the most reliable information.

How long does a visit take? Seeing the exterior and the convent's immediate surroundings takes about 15–20 minutes, but combined with the rest of the old town, it's easy to spend half a day here.

Should I combine this with the Royal Palace of Olite? Definitely — the two sites are only a few minutes apart on foot, and together they give a fuller picture of medieval Olite.

How far is it from Pamplona? About 40 km, roughly a 30–40 minute drive or a similar trip by regional bus.