Church of Santa María, Ondárroa, Gothic church in Ondárroa, Spain
The Church of Santa María in Ondarroa is a Gothic building with three interior naves supported by six cruciform pillars that rise through the space. It combines limestone and sandstone masonry and contains a plateresque main altarpiece that conceals an older Gothic altar beneath it.
Construction took place between 1462 and 1480, reflecting the late Gothic period of that era. The overall structure has remained intact over the centuries, though the altar area was later reworked in plateresque style.
The east facade displays medieval carvings showing a procession with a king, musicians, pilgrims, and crossbowmen in 15th-century Burgundian-Flemish style. These carved figures tell stories from centuries past and remain visible to visitors walking around the building.
The interior provides space to move around and the layout is straightforward, allowing for easy exploration of the different areas. Visitors should allow time to study the carvings on the east facade and details throughout the altar area.
A stone medallion near the church portrays Leokadi, a legendary figure from local lore who watches over Ondarroa according to folk tradition. This character marks the opening and closing moments of the town's annual celebrations and represents a quiet link to local identity.
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