Sanctuary of Arantzazu
Sanctuary of Arantzazu, Minor basilica and Marian shrine in Oñati, Spain
The Sanctuary of Arantzazu sits at an elevation of 750 meters (2,460 feet) in the Aizkorri mountain range, blending 1950s architecture with religious forms. Sculptures and artworks in stone and metal mark the facade and interior spaces of the basilica.
Construction of the present building began in 1950 under architects Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oíza and Luis Laorga, replacing earlier structures on this site. Completion took several decades as avant-garde art and new building techniques were gradually introduced.
The name comes from the Basque word arantza meaning thorn, recalling how shepherds discovered a statue of the Virgin among thorny branches. Pilgrims and local people still mark this tradition, making the site an important destination for visitors across the Basque region.
Regular religious services take place throughout the year, with the main celebration drawing crowds on September 9. Mountain roads can be snowy in winter, so check weather conditions and bring appropriate clothing before making the trip.
Artists including Lucio Muñoz, Jorge Oteiza, Eduardo Chillida and Nestor Basterretxea created different sections of the basilica with modern works. This collaboration turned the site into a showcase of postwar Basque art, linking tradition with renewal.
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