Church of San Jorge

Church of San Jorge in Santurtzi, in Spain's Basque Country, is one of the oldest and most recognizable religious buildings in this coastal town of Biscay. The church gave the town its name and has remained a local landmark for centuries.

Where does the name Santurtzi come from?

The earliest written record of a monastery dedicated to San Jorge (Sancti Georgis) dates back to 1075 and appears in a document from the Monastery of San Salvador de Oña, where the site is listed as the "Monasterio de San Jorge de Somorrostro." The surrounding settlement eventually took its name from this place of worship, evolving over time into today's Santurtzi.

How has the church's architecture changed over time?

The original building was Romanesque, though only its tympanum survives from that period; it is now kept at the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in Bilbao. The current structure was raised starting in the first half of the 17th century in Baroque style. A major turning point came between 1885 and 1896, when an extensive eclectic renovation - including the tower - gave the church the neo-Gothic look it still has today. The bell tower itself dates from 1844.

Has the church always stood this close to the sea?

Not quite in the same setting. The building originally stood right by the coastline, but land reclamation works carried out since the early 19th century have pushed the shore roughly 170 meters away from the church. It's a clear sign of how much the coastal landscape of Santurtzi has shifted over the past two centuries.

What archaeological finds have been linked to the church?

In 2025, small-scale excavations beneath the church uncovered human remains and burials. The discovery fits into a broader effort by residents and researchers to better understand the earliest history of Santurtzi, which traces back to the medieval San Jorge monastery.

What else is worth knowing about the Church of San Jorge?

Inside the church stands the image of the Virgen del Carmen, carried in a maritime procession every July 16 since 1907 - one of the town's key annual events. The local council, through its tourism office, also organizes periodic guided visits, and a QR code placed at the entrance gives visitors access to a virtual, panoramic tour of the interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Church of San Jorge so important to Santurtzi? The entire town takes its name from it - the earliest known reference to the San Jorge monastery, from 1075, is the oldest documented record of the site.

What architectural style is the current church built in? The present building, raised from the first half of the 17th century, is Baroque in origin, while the 1885-1896 renovation gave it its neo-Gothic appearance, most visible in the tower.

Do any elements of the original Romanesque church survive? Only the tympanum from the original Romanesque church has survived; it is now displayed at the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in Bilbao.

Can visitors take a guided tour of the church? Yes, the town council organizes periodic guided visits, and a virtual tour of the interior is also available via a QR code at the entrance.