Monastery of Santa María de Iranzu

The foundation of the Cistercian house took place in 1176, on that date, the bishop of Pamplona, Pedro de París (or Pedro de Artajona), donated the lands of Iranzu, with the church and monastery of San Adrián, to his brother Nicolás, who had been a monk of the abbey of La Cour-Dieu (Curia Dei, Loiret), so that he could found it. The arrival of the first community took place in 1078, with monks from that abbey. Despite initial financial limitations, the monastery of San Adrián de Iranzu received other donations, goods and privileges, which enabled it to rebuild the original church, which was no longer in adequate condition. The construction of the church and the monastic buildings was carried out quickly, at the same time as Iranzu began to manage an important patrimony.

Today, the remarkable monastic complex has been restored and is in use. The church is a large building with three naves headed by a rectangular apse covered with Gothic vaults, with a clear influence of the French Cistercian style; the transept is not very apparent and is only present in height. The cloister is large and was built at different times, from the 12th to the 14th century, which is reflected in the different styles of windows. In the centre there is a simple fountain and, in front of the refectory, a small templet with another fountain. The chapter house is covered with vaults supported by two columns. The kitchen, centred by a monumental fireplace, is also interesting. The other rooms have been extensively modified.