Castle of Xavier facts for kids
The Castle of Xavier is a very old castle found on a hill in the town of Xavier. This town is in Navarre, Spain. It's about 52 kilometers (32 miles) east of Pamplona. The castle was built around the 10th century. It is famous for being the birthplace and childhood home of Saint Francis Xavier. He was a very important person in history.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Xabier comes from the Basque language. It means 'new house' or Etxeberri. Over time, this name changed. It became Xavier in the old Navarro-Aragonese language. Then it turned into Javier in Spanish.
Building the Castle
The Castle of Xavier is made up of three main parts. Each part was built at a different time.
The Towers
The "Tower of the Kristo Santua" (Holy Christ Tower) is a strong part of the castle. It also has a chapel inside. You can see a beautiful old crucifix there. There are also unique paintings on the walls. These paintings show a "dance of death." They are the only ones like it in Spain.
The "Tower of Homage" is also called the San Miguel Tower. This is the oldest part of the castle. It holds a museum about Saint Francis Xavier's life. When people dug into its foundations, they found old Muslim remains. These might be from the 10th century.
Castle Walls and Additions
Around the 11th century, the first walls were built. These walls protected the rooms inside. Later, in the 13th century, more parts were added. These included two round sections and two towers. They were placed to protect the castle from all directions.
The Basilica
In the 1890s, the castle was given to the Jesuit Order. The owner, the Duquesa de Villahermosa, donated it. The Jesuits wanted to use it as a center for missionaries. They decided to build a church next to the castle. This church is called a basilica. A local architect named Angel Goicoechea designed it. Blas Morte, a builder from Navarre, finished the work.
Castle History
The castle and the village of Xavier have a long history.
How the Castle Changed Hands
Around 1223, King Sancho VII of Navarre gained control of the castle. An Aragonese noble borrowed money from the King of Navarre. The castle was given as a promise to pay back the loan. The noble could not pay the money back. So, the castle became King Sancho's property. This happened often. King Sancho VII lent money to the Crown of Aragon many times. He gained control of many villages and castles when loans were not paid back. This made his border with Aragon much stronger.
In 1236, King Theobald I gave the castle to a person named Adán de Sada.
The Castle's Demolition
Before Spain took over Navarre, the castle belonged to Maria Azpilikueta. She was married to Joanes Jatsukoa. They were the parents of Francis Xavier. Their family fought to keep Navarre independent. Because of this, a Spanish leader named Cardinal Cisneros ordered the castle to be destroyed in 1516.
However, only parts of the castle were torn down. Here is what happened:
- All the outer walls with battlements (parts for defense) were knocked down.
- The ditch around the castle was filled in.
- Two large entrance gates were destroyed.
- Two round towers were pulled down.
- The drawbridge was removed.
- Inside the walls, the garden and a rabbit hutch were ruined.
- The Tower of Homage was cut in half.
Later Owners and Pilgrimage
Over time, the castle was passed down through families. It eventually became the property of the House of Villahermosa.
Today, the Castle of Xavier is a very important place. Many people go on a large pilgrimage there in early March. They do this to honor Saint Francis Xavier, who is the patron saint of Navarre.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Javier para niños
- List of Jesuit sites
