Religious sanctuary and museum · Javier, Navarra, Spain

Castillo de Javier

An 11th-century castle and Jesuit sanctuary in Javier, Navarra, associated with the birthplace of St Francis Xavier and containing a museum and basilica.

About Castillo de Javier

What Castillo de Javier is

Castillo de Javier is a sanctuary and historic complex in Javier, Navarra. The 11th-century fortress is associated with the birthplace of St Francis Xavier, patron saint of missions, and the Jesuits manage the site. The complex includes a museum, basilica, columbarium and shop.

What to visit

  • Castle: an 11th-century fortress with historic rooms
  • Museum: the history of the saint and castle, with a 360-degree virtual visit online
  • Basilica: Sunday and public-holiday Mass listed at 1 p.m.
  • Columbarium: a space for cremated remains
  • Shop: images of St Francis Xavier and the Christ of Javier, castle models, medals and books

Pilgrimage and devotion

The sanctuary hosts the Novena of Grace from 4–12 March and the Javieradas pilgrimages. A retreat house is also part of the complex.

Contact

Address: Plaza de San Francisco Javier 4, 31411 Javier, Navarra. Phone: +34 948 88 40 24. Email: castillodejavier@jesuitas.es.

Confirm museum and basilica hours, ticketing, accessibility, liturgy, pilgrimage arrangements and any temporary closures directly before traveling.

In brief

St Francis Xavier sanctuary and museum