Corella can be explored through two very different themes: sacred art, whose history can be traced through churches and altars, and nature watching by bodies of water and in the river valley. From historic construction phases and a diverse museum collection to storks, there are various ways to plan your stay.
Churches, Altars and Monastic History
The Parroquia de San Miguel was built in the 15th century next to the Puerta de Alfaro, outside the city walls. It is considered the oldest church in the city. Extensions and renovations through the 18th century made it a significant example of Navarrese Baroque. Its main altar also tells the story of several phases of design: Juan Antonio Gutiérrez created it between 1718 and 1722; José Saénz de Inestrillas gilded it and added decorative and structural Rococo elements in 1790.
The Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario was consecrated in 1546. Its main altar was created later, between 1671 and 1679, by sculptor Sebastián de Sola y Calahorra. The paintings by Vicente Berdusán depict the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The two churches therefore offer different dates and works to explore: at the Rosario, the consecration and the creation of the altar are more than a century apart; at San Miguel, Rococo elements were added as late as the 18th century.
Corella’s churches and monasteries include buildings from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries that were later redesigned according to Baroque principles. The streets also feature numerous noble residences with heraldic decoration and predominantly Baroque architecture. The building known as Casa de las Cadenas is a privately owned historic property. On 14 June 1711, it hosted Philip V, Maria Luisa of Savoy and Prince Luis for several months.
The Museo de Arte Sacro is housed in a Baroque monastery building constructed for Benedictine nuns from 1659 onwards. After minor renovations, the building was converted into a museum in the 1970s. The collection open to visitors includes paintings by Ximénez Donoso from the mid-17th century, valuable silverwork and other works of art. If you would like to explore the cultural heritage on a guided tour, official free tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 a.m.; the meeting point is the Museo de Arte Sacro. Check the times before your trip. Groups can visit the museum by prior arrangement.
Nature Watching and Trails
The Estanca is a natural area with diverse vegetation and abundant wildlife, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects. At the Estanca, you can fish, run, use a fitness trail and go for walks. Estanquilla has a more distinctly Mediterranean character: Aleppo pines and tamarisks line the banks, while the clay-rich surroundings provide a habitat for waterbirds and other wildlife.
At La Dehesilla, thousand-year-old holm oaks were declared Navarre’s Natural Monument No. 4 in 1991. The designation recognized their exceptional character, age and ecological value. Another natural highlight lies in the river valley near Corella: from a stork observation centre, you can watch a colony of more than 200 storks. Its size may vary seasonally.
Archaeological traces are another possible discovery. A signposted circular route in Corella passes the archaeological sites of the abandoned settlement of Araciel and La Torrecilla. Follow the signs on site.
Plan for Cultural Events
The “Jornadas barrocas” is a weekend programme of performances, markets and period activities that celebrates Corella’s Baroque heritage. The Semana Santa procession is also part of the city’s cultural history: it has been documented since 1710 and was recognized as a procession of tourist interest by Spain’s Ministry of Information and Tourism in 1967. Check the specific dates of events before your trip.
This lets you tailor your itinerary to your interests without combining the different places and activities into a fixed route.
Discover more destinations: Artajona, Fitero, Riezu, Eslava, Marcilla, Bizkarreta-Gerendiain, Erratzu, Ayegui
For the main travel overview: Navarre.
