Sanctuary of Loyola (Santuario de Loyola)
Lugar Barrio Loiola - Núcleo, 16, Loyola, Gipuzkoa
Located in the Urola River Valley in Spain’s northern Basque Country, the Sanctuary of Loyola is a basilica and shrine dedicated to the life of beloved Spanish Basque Catholic priest, St. Ignatius of Loyola. The sanctuary’s impressive architecture and idyllic surroundings draw religious pilgrims and secular visitors from around the world.
Many travelers combine a visit to the Sanctuary of Loyola with a visit to the San Telmo hermitage and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, often referred to as the Route of the Three Temples. Full-day trips to the three landmarks set out from San Sebastián or Bilbao, and often include round-trip transportation and guided tours of the sights. You can also opt for the hop-on, hop-off tour from San Sebastián, and explore these important religious sites at your own pace.
- You can learn more about the life of St. Ignatius by taking a tour of the Sanctuary of Loyola.
- Visitors are welcome to stay at the sanctuary’s inexpensive hostel.
- Mass services are offered in both Basque and Spanish.
- The Sanctuary of Loyola is wheelchair accessible.
Located in the small village of Loyola just inland from Spain’s Basque Coast, the Sanctuary of Loyola is easily reached from Azkoitia and major cities along the coast by car or bus. Buses run regularly between Azkoitia and Azpeitia and stop right near the sanctuary. The nearest international airport is in Bilbao, 45 miles (73 kilometers) away, and daily flights are available from most major European cities.
The Sanctuary of Loyola is open daily, with reduced hours (and a break for lunch) from November until the end of June. Mass is offered twice daily Monday through Saturday, and more often on Sundays and holidays. The hostel and library are only open Monday through Saturday.
El Camino de Santiago (or the Way of Saint James) is a set of four pilgrimage routes in Northern Spain. The most popular route is called the Camino Frances, which starts in St. Jean de Port and ends in Santiago de Compostela. The less-traveled and more difficult Northern Way begins in Irun, near the French border, and travels through much of Spain’s Basque Country, including the Sanctuary of Loyola, before arriving in Santiago de Compostela.
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