Santuario de Loyola
Santuario de Loyola
4.5
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43 within 3 miles
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8 within 6 miles
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4.5
295 reviews
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775DanielleP
Marolles-en-Brie, France1,987 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
One arrives by a large park and all the buildings look huge and austere. We enter through the front door of the family mansion.This part is the most interesting: we see the room where San Ignacio was born, the dining room and the whole life in this house. A diorama describes the life and transformation of the saint.
The visit to the Baroque style basilica is quicker. It is the only one in the Basque country with a dome. 3 € the whole visit for seniors.
The visit to the Baroque style basilica is quicker. It is the only one in the Basque country with a dome. 3 € the whole visit for seniors.
Automatically translated
Written August 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrandTour10327006987
18 contributions
Feb 2024 • Business
My family and I just recently visited Azpetia, Spain. This is the birthplace of St. Ignatius de Loyola who is the founder of the Society of Jesus. Located in the heart of Basque Country of Spain, it offers the best place to discover the Book of Spritual Exercise published in the 15th century is definitely a must to visit by a pilgrim. This is the best place to find the meaning of spiritual wellness. The Jesuits who changed the world and still on the mission to lead the World in spiritual cleansing. I myself discovered the spritual and physical component when St. Ignatius himself walked what is now known as the “Camino Ignacio en Euskadi” more than five centuries ago. Along our way, we discovered the beauty of Northern Spain, friendly people, and its surrounding towns.
Written February 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raechelle Y
New York City, NY43 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
If you are looking for a nice change of pace from the hectic schedule of sightseeing in Bilbao and Donostia-San Sebastian, consider a day trip or an overnight stay in the village of Loyola to visit the Santuario de Loyola. For the faithful, this sacred space is an opportunity to pray, meditate, and learn more about the life Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order. But even if you are not Catholic, this is still a picturesque spot where you can immerse yourself in the Basque Country.
As you enter the village of Loyola in Azpeitia, you are greeted by the sight of the basilica's dome nestled the lush valley of the Urola river. The sanctuary is part of a bigger compound. Visitors can access the basilica for free and for 2 euros the home of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. There is a small bookstore near the information desk for mementos and postcards. As with most places in Spain, the information desk closes at 1 p.m. and reopens at 3:30 p.m. This means the basilica and the Loyola home are closed as well.
The closest free parking lot between the Sanctuary and the Hotel Arrupe. The village of Loyola itself is compact, has hotels and restaurants nearby, and is easy to navigate. There are other options throughout Azpeitia as well as several Eroskis (a supermarket chain) where you can pick up provisions for a lovely picnic (bread, jamon, manchego, fruits, and pastries).
I visited the sanctuary on Palm Sunday, and the person manning the information desk did not speak English. If you are not proficient in Castellano/Spanish or Euskera, consider having on hand a translator app on your smartphone, like Google Translate, to facilitate your interactions. The locals will appreciate your efforts at speaking one of their languages.
As you enter the village of Loyola in Azpeitia, you are greeted by the sight of the basilica's dome nestled the lush valley of the Urola river. The sanctuary is part of a bigger compound. Visitors can access the basilica for free and for 2 euros the home of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. There is a small bookstore near the information desk for mementos and postcards. As with most places in Spain, the information desk closes at 1 p.m. and reopens at 3:30 p.m. This means the basilica and the Loyola home are closed as well.
The closest free parking lot between the Sanctuary and the Hotel Arrupe. The village of Loyola itself is compact, has hotels and restaurants nearby, and is easy to navigate. There are other options throughout Azpeitia as well as several Eroskis (a supermarket chain) where you can pick up provisions for a lovely picnic (bread, jamon, manchego, fruits, and pastries).
I visited the sanctuary on Palm Sunday, and the person manning the information desk did not speak English. If you are not proficient in Castellano/Spanish or Euskera, consider having on hand a translator app on your smartphone, like Google Translate, to facilitate your interactions. The locals will appreciate your efforts at speaking one of their languages.
Written March 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dylan T
Philippines28 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
A short drive from San Sebastian through beautiful country roads, the Sanctuary of Loyola is nestled in a valley beside the river Urola and surrounded in lush greenery. Composed of several structures including a Basilica and the birth house of St. Ignatius, this place speaks volumes of the significance and importance of the Jesuits in the Catholic church. The Basilica was done in Baroque style architecture and used a lot of beautiful marble and stained glass sourced all over Europe. We took a self guided tour of St. Ignatius' house. My kids and grand daughter enjoyed the tour so much. We came out of this visit inspired by St. Ignatius' life. I would highly recommend a visit to this place specially if one is already around the San Sebastian and Bilbao area
Written February 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sangsterrific
Tucson, AZ41 contributions
Jul 2012 • Family
This is a beautiful shrine for those who are interested in Saint Ignatius, and well worth the visit for those who are interested in Catholic history or who want to make a pilgrimage. For the average tourist, though, there is not a whole lot to see here. We were brought here by a local and only spent about half an hour at the site. Still, a lovely place.
Written April 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carmelohuetoperez
Madrid, Spain12 contributions
Aug 2019
A curious place for its circular basilica. Surrounded by vegetation where you can enjoy some moments of calm.
Written September 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jo-Anne L
Toronto, Canada17 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Having been educated by the Jesuits, we made our way one hour via the UK01 bus from San Sebastian to the sanctuary in Azpetia.
What greeted us was a calm town in the middle of several cascading mountains and the sanctuary and birth place of Ignacio de Loyola sitting beautifully on the valley.
We heard Mass in the sanctuary and visited the home of Ignatius to see the room where he was born, the room where he was converted, all maintained in good condition.
Walking through the town afterwards was a very spiritual, calming, and relaxing experience.
This is a good daytrip outside San Sebastian. Worth a visit!
What greeted us was a calm town in the middle of several cascading mountains and the sanctuary and birth place of Ignacio de Loyola sitting beautifully on the valley.
We heard Mass in the sanctuary and visited the home of Ignatius to see the room where he was born, the room where he was converted, all maintained in good condition.
Walking through the town afterwards was a very spiritual, calming, and relaxing experience.
This is a good daytrip outside San Sebastian. Worth a visit!
Written April 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison B
Baldwin City, KS26 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
I loved seeing the home of St Ignatius. He's one of my favorite saints. His story is inspiring and it was lovely to see where his birth and transformation took place.
Written October 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lloren64
San Antonio, TX29 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
A very imposing cathedral in the middle of green Spanish countryside. It took us through winding roads to get there but it was worth the drive. You have to pay 3 euros to go inside the museum. The museum takes you to the home and birthplace of St Ignatius of Loyola. Recounts through dioramas his conversion and the founding of the Order of the Jesuits. Very calm and serene surroundings.
Written May 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelexpertglobe
San Jose, CA60 contributions
Mar 2012 • Friends
This is the most prominent base of the Jesus Company, a place full of history and spirituallity
Written March 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a campervan/camping facility near the Santuario de Loyola?
We are touring in the Basque region and would like to visit the Sanctuary and stay overnight in our campervan.
Thank you
Written February 25, 2024
We will be a group of 42 pilgrims in a bus tour... stopping here on our way to Burgos from Lourdes. Is there an opportunity to attend mass or is there a place where our priest can celebrate a mass?
Written August 28, 2018
Not sure. Mass is celebrated there regularly. The church is superb, a circular design with large cupola and stunning Baroque interior.
Suggest contacting the museum next door, they are very helpful.
The santuario is well equipped to deal with bus groups.
Written August 28, 2018
Hi, are there bus tours for me to see the Basilica and Santuario de
Loyola from Pamplona?
Written June 2, 2017
I don't know if there are. The bus tours I saw at the sanctuary were groups that seemed to have been together for an extensive trip through Spain.
Written June 3, 2017
Como se puede hacer para llegar desde Vitoria-Gasteiz?
Written August 24, 2015
Por carretera lo mejor es coger la AP1 hasta Elgoibar o Arrona y desde allí llegar a Azpeitia.
En autobús habría que ir a Donostia San Sebastián y coger el que llega hasta Azpeitia (La Guipuzcoaa)
Un saludo.
Written November 13, 2015
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