Santuario de Loyola

Basque Country


The portentous Santuario de Loyola is dedicated to St Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuit order. Its domed basilica, laden with grey marble and carved ornamentation, is decidedly imposing. Preserved in one of the two wings of the sanctuary is the house where the saint was born in 1490. Weekends are the most interesting times to come, as the sanctuary fills up with pilgrims. It's inland of Getaria, 24km to its southwest, off the GI631 just outside Azpeitia.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Basque Country attractions

1. Basque Coast Geopark

8.66 MILES

Running from Zumaia west to Deba and Mutriku, this narrow coastal strip encompasses meadows, forests, caves and, most importantly, 13km of dramatic cliffs…

2. Algorri Interpretation Centre

8.75 MILES

A small museum tucked a few blocks from the river, Algorri gives an overview of the geological wonders at Zumaia's back door. Audiovisual displays chart…

3. Photomuseum

9.25 MILES

This museum explores the development of photography and moving pictures. Start up on the 4th floor and work your way downstairs, taking in displays on…

4. Museo de Arte e Historia de Zarautz

9.35 MILES

Set in a 15th-century belltower – the oldest building in Zarautz – this small museum highlights a bit of the region's art and archaeology. Human skeletons…

5. Iglesia de Santa María la Real

9.36 MILES

Part of the Museo de Arte e Historia de Zarautz, this impressive Gothic church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. Note the magnificent Baroque…

6. Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa

9.62 MILES

Although Getaria is mainly about sun, sand and seafood, don't miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. Local boy Cristóbal became a giant in the…

7. Getaria

9.78 MILES

This cobblestone village on the coast has much to recommend it, including excellent seafood restaurants, narrow atmospheric lanes sprinkled with shops and…

8. Iglesia de San Salvador

9.81 MILES

With its unusual shape, sloping wooden floors, and nautical atmosphere, Getaria's striking 1397-built Gothic church is well worth a stop. Features worth…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "spain/basque-country/attractions/santuario-de-loyola/a/poi-sig/1129764/1315806",
      "destination": "Basque-Country",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Spain",
      "region": "Basque-Country",
      "position": "superzone"
    }