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Museo Historico Arqueologico Najerillense

The Museo Historico Arqueologico Najerillense is located in the beautiful city of Najera, part of the autonomous community of La Rioja, Spain, on the Camino de Santiago Frances. This museum is devoted to various fields of knowledge, including Archaeology, Ethnography and Art. Its main mission is to preserve and display the region’s rich cultural heritage, giving visitors the chance to explore the history and artistic diversity of Najera and its surroundings. Through its valuable collections, the museum invites everyone to learn more about the traditions, customs and artistic achievements that have shaped this town’s development over time.

Location of the Museo Najerillense

The location of this site is quite special, sitting on the Plaza de Navarra, an important part of the city of Najera. This square lies right beside the Monastery of Santa María la Real, a building of great historical and cultural importance. This monastery is known for its impressive architecture and for being a place of deep devotion and spirituality. The proximity between the square and the monastery makes this spot in Najera highly appealing to both visitors and local residents alike. So if you’re in Najera, be sure not to miss the Plaza de Navarra and the beauty of the Monasterio de Santa Maria la Real beside it.

History of the Museo Historico Arqueologico Najerillense

The Museo Najerillense Building and Its Uses

Residence of the Abbot

The museum is housed in the former Palacio del Abad de Santa Maria la Real, a building constructed during the 18th century. This palace had a special connection to the nearby monastery, as the two were linked by an elevated passageway crossing the street. This type of construction was common at the time, as it allowed clergy to move between the two buildings more comfortably and safely, sheltered from the weather and with added security. The Palacio del Abad not only served as the abbot’s residence, but also reflects the importance of the monastic community during that era.

Monastic Pharmacy

In 1785, a new pharmacy was set up on the ground floor of the palace. This pharmacy was quite well regarded, featuring a fine, beautiful collection of earthenware and glass apothecary jars, indicating that its products were carefully presented and cared for. It also appears to have offered a fairly wide range of medicines available to the population. However, in 1835 the pharmacy was moved to Calle San Marcial, a change perhaps made in search of a better location. Later, in 1921, Joaquin Cusi Fortunet acquired the pharmacy and decided to move it to Masnou, in Barcelona, where the Museo Cusi de Farmacia was established. This collection can still be visited today, allowing those interested to see an important part of the history of pharmacy and healthcare in that era.

Prison

With the pharmacy’s move, the former palace building went on to house the Carcel del Partido Judicial de Najera (district prison) as well as the Court of First Instance. This change in use marked a new chapter in the building’s history, and the necessary adaptations were made to suit these new functions. As the building was transformed, the direct passage to the monastery was removed, meaning it could no longer be used by clergy as a convenient route between the two sites. On the walls of the old palace, various pieces of graffiti have been preserved, standing as a testament to the life that unfolded there during the time it functioned as a place of confinement. These writings on the doors and walls reflect the experiences of those who passed through this site.

Museum

In 1981, the building was restored and converted into a museum. This change involved not only restoring the site, but also the decision to open its doors to the public so they could explore and learn about the rich history of the former Palacio del Abad and its various roles over time. Since that date, the museum has become an important space for preserving local history and a point of interest for visitors wishing to learn more about the area’s past and the institutions that once existed there.

Collections of the Museo Najerillense

Today, the permanent exhibition of the Museo Najerillense presents an interesting selection of materials from its notable archaeological collection. This collection spans a vast period of time, from Prehistory to the Early Modern era, allowing visitors to explore the evolution of societies and cultures across the centuries. Each object in this collection tells a unique story, offering a window into the past and valuable insight into how people lived, worked and interacted with one another in different periods of history.

However, it’s worth noting that most of the Museum’s holdings, including ethnography, art and documentation, are currently kept in storage. This is due to a lack of dedicated exhibition space, limiting how much material can be shown to the public in the display rooms. Despite these limitations, some of these valuable objects have indeed been featured in temporary exhibitions organized by the Museum. These exhibitions offer wonderful opportunities for the public to enjoy and learn about various pieces that would otherwise remain out of sight, enriching the cultural experience for all visitors.

Camino de Santiago Frances >> La Rioja >> Najera >> Museum Najerillense