Sanctuary of Virgen de Guadalupe, Hondarribia

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most important religious landmarks in Hondarribia, perched on the slopes of Mount Jaizkibel a short distance from the town centre. It serves as the patron shrine of Hondarribia and hosts an annual procession that remains a highlight of the local calendar to this day.

Where does the sanctuary come from?

According to tradition, two young shepherds noticed a strange light coming from a bush and, upon investigating, discovered an image of the Virgin hidden inside it. The earliest documented reference to the site dates back to 1526, when the famed Basque navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano, a member of the first circumnavigation of the globe, donated six gold ducats to the shrine. A first hermitage was built between 1484 and 1501, while the main structure went up between 1570 and 1587. Over the centuries the building was repeatedly damaged and rebuilt following the sieges the town endured, and the structure seen today dates from the 19th century.

What happened here in 1638?

The sanctuary holds a special place in the defence of Hondarribia. When French forces crossed the Bidasoa River on 1 July 1638, the shrine's caretaker, María Juana de Mugarrieta, carried the image of the Virgin down to the town's parish church so residents could pray before it during the siege. After the town's successful defence, Hondarribia vowed to hold a solemn procession to the hermitage every year on 8 September — a tradition that replaced the earlier main feast day of 25 March and continues today as one of the town's most significant religious events.

What will you see there?

Inside the sanctuary visitors find a striking collection of maritime votive offerings — ship models, paintings depicting scenes at sea, and small objects left by sailors and fishermen over generations. These pieces reflect the deep devotion sailors and fishing families of Hondarribia have long held for the Virgin of Guadalupe as protector on difficult voyages. The building itself is modest in size, but its setting makes the visit worthwhile: the terrace in front of the shrine opens onto sweeping views of the Txingudi Bay, the mouth of the Bidasoa, and the French coastline across the border.

How do you get there?

The sanctuary sits on the slope of Mount Jaizkibel (545 m), reached by a winding road from Hondarribia. Visitors can drive up — a small car park is available nearby — or walk one of the mountain trails, popular with hikers and cyclists alike. The site is also a recognised stop along the coastal branch of the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route.

When is the best time to visit?

The ideal time to visit is around 8 September, when the annual procession commemorating the 1638 defence of the town fills the sanctuary with local tradition and celebration. Outside that date, the site remains a peaceful viewpoint and a rewarding short excursion year-round, though it's worth checking the forecast, as the slopes of Jaizkibel can turn foggy and windy.

Frequently asked questions

Is the sanctuary the patron shrine of Hondarribia? Yes, Our Lady of Guadalupe is the official patroness of the town, and her cult is closely tied to the events of the 1638 siege.

Can visitors go inside the shrine? Yes, the sanctuary is open to visitors and pilgrims, and its interior houses a collection of maritime-themed votive offerings.

How far is the sanctuary from central Hondarribia? It lies a few kilometres from town on the slope of Mount Jaizkibel — typically a short drive or a longer walk from the centre.

Is it worth combining the visit with a walk on Jaizkibel? Absolutely — the area around the sanctuary is a popular starting point for scenic trails across the mountain, offering panoramic views over Txingudi Bay and the Basque coastline.