Santa María la Real de Irache

A Benedictian monastery, with strong ties to Cluny, existed here in 958, after the Reconquista had reconquered the area about 50 years earlier. There are hints, that a convent may have been here already in Visigothic times. The monastery offered a "hopital" to the pilgrims already in 1054, when nearby Estrella was not even founded.

The large church was erected in a Basilica-style within the 12th and 13th century on a the floorplan of a "Latin Cross".

The Magi are approaching Bethlehem. Mary is seated on a throne to the right, holding the child and obviously waiting for the visitors. Next to her is the Star of Bethlehem.