Sanctuaries and Hermitages, exploring the spiritual richness of the Basque Country

Basilica of Loiola: a journey to the heart of Basque Baroque

The Basilica of Loiola, located in Azpeitia, is another place of great religious relevance. Built in honor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, this imposing church is a masterful example of Baroque architecture. Its interior, richly decorated with frescoes and sculptures, evokes the grandeur of the temples dedicated to the saints. As you walk through the spaces where Saint Ignatius lived and prayed, you will immerse yourself in the history of one of the most influential figures in Catholicism. As Humphrey Bogart would say in Casablanca, “we’ll always have Loyola”.

From the outside, we can observe an impressive dome 65 meters high, balancing the aspect of the facade, 150 meters long. The first stone was laid on March 28, 1689, and it was inaugurated on July 31, 1738, the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. The entire work, in which up to 600 stonemasons worked at times, was carried out with large blocks of marble from Mount Izarraitz.

Hermitage of La Antigua: a haven of peace in Zumarraga

Finally, the Ermita de la Antigua, located in Zumarraga, is a haven of peace in the middle of the landscape. This small hermitage, built in the 15th century, houses the image of Our Lady of La Antigua, patroness of Guipuzkoa. Its simple architecture and its location on top of a hill offer impressive panoramic views. Imagine Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday”, but instead of the Eternal City, we have the green Basque landscape.

In short, visiting the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, the Basilica of Loiola, and the Ermita de la Antigua is to delve into the spiritual and historical richness of Euskadi. Each of these places, with its own identity and charm, will leave a lasting impression. And remember, after a day of exploration, Zinema7 Hotel awaits you with all the comforts to make you feel at home… or like on the best film set. ;)