Villamayor de Monjardín

Popularly known as the “town of the four lies,” Villamayor de Monjardín earned this nickname from a traditional saying that humorously alludes to its name: it is not a “villa” (town), it is not “mayor” (large), it has no nuns, and it has no garden. Beyond this popular joke, Villamayor de Monjardín is one of those towns that packs a wealth of history, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty into a small area. Located at the foot of Mount Monjardín and right along the route of the Camino de Santiago, it combines the tranquil atmosphere of a small town with one of the most significant groups of monuments in Tierra Estella.

The town’s skyline is defined by the dominant presence of the mountain and the silhouette of the tower of the Church of San Andrés. From the town center, a marked trail ascends to the summit of Monjardín, where the ruins of the ancient Castle of San Esteban de Deyo—or the Castle of the Banu Qasi—stand, one of the most important fortresses of the ancient Kingdom of Navarre. Inside the castle stands the chapel of San Esteban, also known as the Santo Cristo, a feature that reinforces the historical and strategic value of this site. At the foot of the mountain lies the medieval cistern known as the Fuente de los Moros.

The Camino de Santiago passes through the town, bringing a steady stream of pilgrims, visitors, and related services, and integrating the town into one of Europe’s major cultural routes. This historical dimension is complemented by a well-established wine tourism offering that connects the landscape, agricultural tradition, and wine culture.