Bilbao: The Route of the Three Temples

Discover the Three Temple Route: from Loyola to Arantzazu along Saint Ignatius’ path. Following Saint Ignatius of Loyola, visitors can follow the route between Loyola and Arantzazu, going past La Antigua on GR-120, the Three Temple Route. This is the beginning of the Ignatian Trail, which the saint began in 1522, on a pilgrimage that took him to Manresa.

Our county hosts 3 of the most renowned temples in the whole country. Loyola Sanctuary, place of birth of San Ignacio de Loyola and birthplace of the jesuists; Arantzazu Sanctuary, where art and spirituality are mixed in a unique setting, and La Antigua hermitage, one pilgrimage stage of San Ignacio de Loyola and key point in the Route of the Three Temples.

LOYOLA SANCTUARY (AZPEITIA)
Imposing 18th century Baroque temple. The architect Carlo Fontana, Bernini’s disciple, erected a dome 20 m in diameter that did not seem to hold its weight. But he did. The monumental complex of the Loyola Sanctuary is a key element of religious tourism in the Basque Country.

SANTA MARIA HERMITAGE: LA ANTIGUA (ZUMARRAGA)
La Antigua Hermitage, known as the cathedral of the hermitages, contains a unique work of carpentry: an oak structure so gracefully supports the roof that gives the sensation of floating.

ARANTZAZU SANCTUARY (OÑATI)
The Virgin appeared to a shepherd in this ravine in 1469, perched in a hawthorn (arantza). Then a Franciscan sanctuary was built, The Sanctuary of Aranzazu, which is located in the heart of Euskadi. In addition to being a centre of unequalled spirituality, it is also one of the most representative examples of contemporary Basque art since in 1950 it was rebuilt with the participation of Sáenz de Oiza, Oteiza, Chillida, Basterretxea…

The sanctuary of the patron saint of Gipuzkoa is located in an impressive landscape of rocky mountain ranges, deep ravines and gorges that open and bring the borders of Araba, Nafarroa and Gipuzkoa closer.
But, above all, Arantzazu stands out because it is unique testimony of the work done by a group of artists who got ahead of the artistic Avant-garde, breaking with the architectural trends of their time.

Following in the footsteps of Ignatius of Loyola…
This route recreates the journey that Ignatius of Loyola did in the year 1522, from his birthplace, Azpeitia, to the Catalan town of Manresa.
The entire route is 675 km long, and part of that itinerary passes through Gipuzkoa and Araba and consists of 150 km and 6 stages.
The mountainous terrain of the Basque Country is well reflected in the steep ascent of the second stage (Zumarraga-Arantzazu 19,2 km), which can be completed more comfortably by making an extra stop in Oñati.
If you travel by bike or on foot and have enough time, you can split the stage in two and continue the ascent to the Sanctuary of Arantzazu after stopping over in Oñati.

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• A maximum of 10 people per booking
• Availability for visits cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of visits availability

• Bilbao: The Route of the Three Temples
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  Pickup included

• Driver/Professional local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

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• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Comfortable clothes are recommended
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 – 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Basque Destination “Creating Memories”.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Madrid.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.