Santa María la Real de Pamplona (Virgin of the Sagrarian)

Marian title of Pamplona (Navarra)

The headline image of the Cathedral of Pamplona is known as both Santa María la Real and Virgin of the Sagrarian. The name of Virgin of the Sagrarian comes from the placement of the size, in later times, in a mannerist altarpiece of the presbytery of the cathedral, where the image occupied a space similar to a sacred, then enhanced with a small temple with doors that could hide it; the first documented reference of this name dates from the 17th century. In the face of this image the kings of Navarra took an oath and were lifted up on the heathen, committing themselves to respect the Fueros, which gives him a very special place in the history of the kingdom.

Main data

Origin and history

The headline image of the Cathedral of Pamplona is known as both Santa María la Real and Virgin of the Sagrarian. The name of Virgin of the Sagrarian comes from the placement of the size, in later times, in a mannerist altarpiece of the presbytery of the cathedral, where the image occupied a space similar to a sacred, then enhanced with a small temple with doors that could hide it; the first documented reference of this name dates from the 17th century. In the face of this image the kings of Navarra took an oath and were lifted up on the heathen, committing themselves to respect the Fueros, which gives him a very special place in the history of the kingdom.

The image and the sanctuary

The image is a size of polychrome wood from the 12th century, dating back to 1175-1185, which represents the Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus. It is venerated in the cathedral of Santa María la Real de Pamplona, of which it is the title.

Sponsorship and coronation

The image was crowned canonically in 1946, in the square of the Castle of Pamplona. The Virgin was proclaimed Queen of Navarra on September 21, 1946, with a ceremony that evoked the ancient enronization of the kings of Navarra. From that coronation of the mid-20th century it became widely called Santa Maria la Real.

Party and devotion

The devotion to Santa Maria la Real is deeply linked to the identity of Pamplona and Navarra, and to the memory of the royal oaths lent before his image. The sources consulted do not accurately set a date of their own holiday other than the great Marian solemnities, so the exact date of the party is recorded as not recorded.

Link to the Rosary

The sources consulted do not reflect a specific link of this advocation to the Rosary, so it is noted as not recorded. As the headline of the cathedral, the image presides over the Marian prayer of the diocese, in which the Rosary occupies a regular place.