The University of Navarra publishes the book "El Tesoro de San Fermín. Devotio in argento et auro" (The Treasure of Saint Fermín. Devotion in Silver and Gold), an exhaustive study of the saint's personal effects.

The University of Navarra has published the book El Tesoro de San Fermín. Devotio in argento et auro (The Treasure of San Fermín. Devotion in Silver and Gold) by Ignacio Miguéliz, Deputy Director the Chair Navarrese Heritage and Art at the School Philosophy Letters at the academic center. The work documents and analyzes the collection of silverware and jewelry gathered over the centuries around San Fermín and kept in his chapel, located in the church of San Lorenzo in Pamplona, bearing witness to the deep devotion that the city and Navarre have historically professed to the saint. The Issue been sponsored by one of the patrons of the University of Navarra Museum and published by Ediciones Universidad de Navarra (EUNSA).

Throughout its 264 pages, Miguéliz collects and analyzes pieces of great historical, artistic, and devotional value, covering a wide chronological range from the 16th to the 20th century. It is a unique collection not only because of its issue, but also because of the quality of its craftsmanship and the originality of many of its types, some of which are practically unique in Navarre and Spain. In his study, Miguéliz distinguishes three main sources of the works: those commissioned by the Chapel itself to adorn the Saint; those donated by the City Council of Pamplona, patron of the Chapel and recognizable by the incorporation of the municipal coat of arms; and, finally, those offered by devotees of San Fermín. The collection is also organized according to its use: pieces intended directly for the saint, liturgical objects, and items designed to decorate the chapel.

In the foreword to the publication, art historian and silverware expert Cristina Esteras Martín highlights the importance of the collection, with particular emphasis on the Baroque period: "The most brilliant and generous period corresponds to the 18th century, when Baroque tastes led to the 'Treasure' growing exponentially with truly extraordinary pieces, both in terms of their quality and the originality of their types and techniques."

Thus, the most sumptuous and original works mostly date from this period and come from outside Pamplona, especially Latin America. Among them are five large trays, two jugs, a gold chain, and an emerald breastplate sent in 1730 by Don José de Armendáriz y Perurena, Marquis of Castelfuerte and Viceroy of Peru. Alongside these pieces are a gold chain from China, donated in 1757 by Nicolás de Urtasun from Pamplona, and a gold and emerald ring sent from Popayán (now Ecuador) by Juan Antonio de Zelaya in 1775. Also particularly unique are the silver filigree staff and miter, made in a Chinese workshop and gifted in 1764 by Felipe de Iriarte. These pieces, halfway between silverware and jewelry, are part of the regalia worn by San Fermín during his main festivities.

The book also devotes considerable space to works by Pamplona craftsmen, such as the silver cope covering the bust of the saint, crafted in 1687; the two altar frontals—the only ones of their kind in Navarre—made between 1725 and 1733, one of them by silversmith Juan Antonio Hernández; the pedestal crafted by Antonio Ripando in 1736; and the reliquary worn by Saint Fermín on his chest, the work of Hernando de Oñate el Mayor from 1572, along with 18th-century lecterns and sacras.

The work was presented on January 13 in the chapel of San Fermín. Speakers included Rosalía Baena, Vice President Students and International Relations at the University of Navarra; Javier Leoz, parish priest of San Lorenzo; Ricardo Fernández Gracia, director the Chair Navarrese Heritage and Art; and Ignacio Miguéliz, author of the publication. 

It will soon be available for purchase on the publishing house website and in the University of Navarra Museum store for €35.