The Monumental Ensemble of Quejana is the central nucleus of the Señorío de Ayala and consists of various buildings constructed at different times. Of particular note are the works carried out by Fernán Pérez de Ayala and his son Pedro López, who was known as the Chancellor.

With a history dating back to the 14th century, the Quejana Monumental Complex bears witness to the historical legacy of the region. It was at this time that the father of Fernán Pérez de Ayala, a member of an influential family of the Basque nobility, decided to erect this impressive architectural complex. The Fortified Palace, with its imposing square structure and corner towers, evokes the grandeur of times gone by. Next to it is the Convent of the Dominican Mothers, which housed these nuns dedicated to contemplation and prayer.

The monastery, founded on 2 December 1378 by Fernán Pérez de Ayala for the purpose of housing Dominican nuns, was generously endowed with numerous goods. During the 16th century, it suffered a fire and has undergone various alterations over the years, the most notable being the one carried out in the 18th century.

On the other hand, the palace, which served as the residence of Fernán Pérez de Ayala and Elvira Álvarez de Ceballos, has a square floor plan with a central courtyard. Its appearance is that of a fortress, due to the presence of two towers at the corners. The palace also had direct access to the church.

The tower, built by the chancellor on top of an earlier structure in 1399, is notable for its solid structure with a square ground plan and crenellated crown. In this tower, the chancellor placed his funeral chapel. This chapel, known as the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Cabello, is the main space where the remarkable artistic efforts of Pedro López de Ayala are concentrated.

In addition, the place houses the Museum of Sacred Art, which is another outstanding attraction. This museum narrates the fascinating history of the Lords of Ayala and the nuns of the Convent of the Dominican Mothers through valuable images, paintings, ornaments, gold and silver work that have been kept in these buildings for more than 600 years.

Today, the Arcos de Quejana is a tourist destination not to be missed. Its imposing historical buildings, its natural environment and the cultural richness that surrounds them make this place an unforgettable experience. Whether exploring the rooms of the palace, admiring the beauty of the church or enjoying a stroll through the green meadows, visitors can immerse themselves in the history and architecture of this marvellous monumental complex.

The Quejana Monumental Complex is much more than just an architectural ensemble, it is a true testimony to the historical and cultural greatness of the Basque region. We invite everyone to discover the history and beauty of this exceptional place that continues to captivate generations with its timeless charm. We invite you to request information about our tour “Day in the Lands of Ayala”, a full day tour in which you will get to know this monumental complex and the medieval village of Artziniega (available only for closed groups). You can request information by clicking here or by sending an email to info@kalearte.com.