The Monastery of Santa María la Real, located in the city of Nájera, is an emblematic religious complex that stands on the route of the Camino de Santiago. Its historical importance is due, among other reasons, to house the pantheon of the kings of the kingdom of Nájera-Pamplona, predecessor of the kingdom of Navarre, and its link with the Navarrese monarchy that had in Nájera one of its main seats.

On September 8, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast in honor of the Virgin of Santa María la Real. Its history begins in 923 when Ordoño II, King of León, together with the Navarrese, reconquered the city of Nájera from the Muslims. A few years later, in 1035, García Sánchez III, known as "García el de Nájera", ascended to the throne and became a key figure in the origin of the monastery. According to legend, in 1044, while hunting, the king found an image of the Virgin in a cave, accompanied by a bouquet of lilies, a bell and a lamp. Inspired by this finding, Garcia decided to build a temple in that place, inaugurating it on December 12, 1052.

The construction of the initial monastery included the transfer of relics of local saints, although some attempts at transfer, such as that of San Felices de Bilibio and San Millán, were frustrated by phenomena that were interpreted as miraculous. After the death of García Sánchez III in the battle of Atapuerca, he was buried at the feet of the Virgin in the cave that had led to the construction of the monastery. His successor, Sancho IV, known as "the one from Peñalén", finished the initial works. In 1067, the monastery was the scene of an important council that replaced the Visigothic rite with the Roman rite, marking a significant liturgical change.

In 1076, after the assassination of Sancho el Noble by his brothers, the kingdom of Nájera-Pamplona was divided between Castile and Aragon. Nájera first came under Castilian rule and then became part of the kingdom of Aragon. The episcopal see was transferred from Nájera to Calahorra in 1079, although in 1134, the kingdom of Pamplona regained its independence and royal burials were resumed in the monastery. In 1422, work began on a new temple, which was not completed until 1453. The 15th century brought significant reforms, such as the construction of the Knights' cloister and the choir stalls.'

Throughout history it suffered difficult times in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the War of Independence, it was attacked and looted by French troops and guerrillas, and in 1835, the disentailment of Mendizábal led to the expulsion of the monks and the abandonment of the monastery, which was vandalized and used for various purposes. In 1889, the complex was declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument, and in 1895, a community of Franciscans began its recovery. The Spanish State began to contribute to the restoration in 1909, and in 1959 the Patronato de Santa María la Real was founded.

The monastery is an amalgam of architectural styles that reflect its long history. The cloister of the Knights, in Gothic and Plateresque style, was built between 1517 and 1528, with elegant tracery in the arches and diverse decoration. Access to the cloister is through the ornamented Gate of Charles I, in flamboyant Gothic style, with the royal coat of arms of the monarch. The present church, in florid Gothic style, has ribbed vaults and an impressive 17th century Baroque altarpiece, decorated with Solomonic columns and figures of the founding kings.

This monastery is not only a symbol of the religious and political history of the region, but also an important tourist destination on the Camino de Santiago. With its royal pantheon, the image of the medieval Virgin, and its beautiful cloisters and chapels, the monastery attracts visitors interested in its rich history, unique architecture, and artistic legacy. Its declaration as a National Historic-Artistic Monument and its ongoing restoration ensure that this jewel of Spanish heritage will continue to be appreciated and preserved for future generations.