Santuario de Loyola, Azpeitia

Birthplace of the founder of the Jesuit order, it has been beautifully restored in modern times, but in antiquity has developed as a basilica, a college of learning, a shrine and now, the greater part not accessible to the public is a retirement place for Jesuit priests. The publically accessible buildings are stunning, the basilica on its own is worth the visit.

The second most important church for the Society of Jesus. A beautiful Baroque-style, circular church nestled in the heartland of the Basque Country. Attached is the childhood home of Saint Ignatius, now wonderfully preserved as a museum.

The story of Ignatius Loyola is really inspiring and here is his family home where his conversion took place as he recovered from a shattered leg. He'd been wounded in a battle in Pamplona and carried back there to recover. Nothing light and airy about the place and it attracts much more rain than pilgrims these days.

Beautiful sanctuary. The basilica is impressive both outside and inside. The museum is also a great place to visit if you're interested in how the saint began his ministry. The sanctuary is also the starting point for the Camno Ignaciano and houses an albergue within the compound.

Excellent. Very much worth the visit to the Basilica and self guided tour of the home of St. Ignatius of Loyola.