Sanctuary of Loyola (Santuario de Loyola) Tours and Tickets

Local guide specialized in the history of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Attractive stories told in a pleasant way. Local guide who will show you all the arquitectonical ensemble created in honor of the Saint, and also his Birth-Place in Azpeitia. The guide is local, from the same town that Saint Ignatius, and he is the only one who makes the guided tour to little groups of couples, friends, relatives...

Rocky mountains, a Basque baseball game, winding roads, a piece of Baroque Rome hidden in a valley, cliffs that explain the last 900,000 years of the planet, a beach inhabited by dragons, a Basque sailor who went ‘round the world for the first time ... oh wait! Is all of this true? Yes, of course. Ikusnahi never lies.

The Sanctuary of Loiola (Azpeitia): An impressive Baroque complex, 45 km southwest of San Sebastián. It was built in honor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, around his birthplace (the Holy House), which is preserved as a relic inside. Its basilica with a circular dome stands out. The Hermitage of La Antigua (Zumarraga): Known as "the cathedral of the hermitages" and the ultimate representation of Basque Romanesque architecture. It stands out for the beauty of its interior, which combines stone with a wooden structure that evokes the hull of a ship. It is reached by following the Urola river from Loiola. The Sanctuary of Arantzazu (Oñati): Located in a stunning natural environment after climbing the Arantzazu mountain pass. It is the most illustrative example of contemporary Basque art, featuring works by artists such as Jorge Oteiza (including the controversial sculpture of the 14 apostles), Eduardo Chillida, and Néstor Basterretxea.

Follow the path of St. Ignatius on this small group tour around Bilbao which will take you to three religious sites. Your guide will lead you from place to place so you don’t need to take out a map. Just listen to the history, ask questions, and take as many photos as you like. You’ll also relax and enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch while sipping local wine.

"This tour is focused on the path of St. Ignatius from his birth to the founding of the Society of Jesus. We will visit the spectacular Basilica of Loiola (built in the 18th century) and Saint Ignatius' family house and birthplace (in Loiola, Azpeitia), the hermitage of La Antigua in Zumarraga (where Saint Ignatius made a stop during his pilgrimage) and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu (located in a spectacular spot in a gorge, rebuilt in the 1950's and a showcase of modern religious art at its finest, awarded with several international prizes). A day full of spirituality that will leave the faithful tourist as well as the not religious one awed by the sheer beauty of the sights. **Note: Until April 5 2020 La Antigua hermitage will only open during weekends. If booked in a weekday during that period, the tour will go to San Telmo hermitage in Zumaia instead. Same applies for Mondays from April 5 to November 2, 2020 **"

Discover the hidden gems of the Basque Country on this private day tour that showcases coastal views, lush countryside sights, and traditional villages off the usual tourist trail. Opting for a private tour gives you the undivided attention of your driver-guide, and ensures a more personalized experience. Notable sights on the route include Tolosa, the Sanctuary of Loyola, the seaside beauty of Zumaia, and Getaria Fishing Port.