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Life of St Ignatius of Loyola

Spain

Our Pilgrimage through Spain following the life of St Ignatius of Loyola is a wonderful mixture of history, culture and spirituality. Born in Loyola to a wealthy family in Loyola, from a young age St Ignatius dreamed of knighthood and doing great deeds, however he was injured in battle. He underwent a spiritual conversion whilst in recovery and over the years became an expert at spiritual direction. You will be able to explore the influential places of his life on this trip by starting in Madrid, and moving to Salamanca, Azpeitia, Pamplona, Zaragoza and finishing in Barcelona. You will have plenty of time for quiet and reflection as well as time to enjoy the local cuisine and culture.

St Ignatius

Bespoke tour available upon group booking. 
Minimum pax 12 adults. 
  • Madrid

    You will arrive in Madrid and learn a bit about Spanish history whilst exploring the city that became the Capital in 1561.

  • Alcalá de Henares

    This town is home to one of Spain's most prestigous universities, where St Ignatius studied. Its rich monumental heritage, formed by churches, convents and university buildings, gives us a glimpse of life in Castilia during the Spanish Golden Age.

  • Arévalo

    St Ignatius lived in Arévalo from the age of 17 to 25.  The city centre has a few churches to discover - Santa Maria la Mayor, San Martin with its two towers, San Miguel and Santo Domingo de Silos, where Gothic navescontrast with a

    Mudejar apse and brick walls. 

  • Salamanca

    Preivously voted European Cultural Capital, the town has two cathedrals, the Plaza Mayor and is known for its ornate sandstone architecture. The town is home to Spain's oldest university, where St Ignatius also studied. 

  • Azpeitia & Loyola

    Azpeitia is the birthplace of the Loyola family. You will visit the Basilica and explore the House of St Ignatius. 

  • Zumárraga

    La Antigua Hermitage in Zumárraga is part of the Three Temples Route (with Loyola and Arantzazu) and is considered the Cathedral of Basque hermitages. In contrast with its austere outer appearance, its interior surprises with an extraordinary oak-wood coffered ceiling, a complex structure of beam, strut, parapet and stiffenings.

  • Sanctuary of Arantzazu

    The Sanctuary of Arantzazu stands on the edge of a cliff. It has survived three fires (1553, 1622 and 1834) and been rebuilt three times.

    In 1951 a new basilica was built by leading architects Francisco Javier Sáenz de Oiza and Luis Laorga.

  • Pamplona

    Explore the city of Pamplona where St Ignatius was severly injured and after which he underwent a spiritual conversion. The streets and squares of its historic

    quarter still preserve a significant collection of monumental buildings dominated by

    its churches and medieval walls

  • Xavier

    Stop in Xavier, birthplace of St Francis Xavier, who with the encouragement of his friend Ignatius of Loyola, dedicated his life to religious service and mission work.

  • Montserrat

    At the shrine of the Black Madonna at Montserrat, Ignatius of Loyola renounced his former ways and dedicated his life to his new Master. From this time on he lived a simple lifestyle, embracing poverty.

  • Manresa

    Visit the Old Quarter including the Basilica Santa María, Pont Vell and Santa Cova and the Manresa Cave where Saint Ignatius stayed for 11 months and practiced rigorous asceticism. 

Request an Itinerary Reserve a place
  • Accommodation

    Based on two sharing

    Good quality local guesthouses or 3 star hotels

  • Flights

    Return flights from the UK:

    London to Madrid

    Barcelona to London

  • Breakfast and one meal daily

    Breakfast and an additional meal daily except for travelling days. 

  • Extras Included

    Excellent Local Guides

    Comfortabe Coach transfers


Photo Gallery

Photos highlights of St Ignatius of Loyola
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