BIRTHPLACE OF SAINT IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA

About Birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

The Birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is located in the small town of Loyola in the Basque Country of northern Spain, near the city of Azpeitia. This historic site holds immense significance as the birthplace of Íñigo López de Loyola, who later became Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. The centerpiece of the site is the Loyola Sanctuary, a grand complex that includes the Santa Casa, the original tower house where Ignatius was born in 1491, and the Basilica of Loyola, a stunning Baroque church built in his honor.

The Santa Casa, a medieval tower house, has been preserved and transformed into a chapel and museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the early life of Ignatius. The adjacent basilica, with its impressive dome and ornate interior, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. Pilgrims and tourists flock to this sacred site to learn about Ignatius's spiritual journey, from his early days as a soldier to his transformation into a revered religious leader.

Surrounded by the lush, rolling hills of the Basque Country, the birthplace of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is not only a place of historical and religious importance but also a serene destination for reflection and inspiration. It remains a key pilgrimage site for Catholics and a symbol of Ignatius's profound impact on the world.