Santa Ana Chapel

Santa Ana Chapel is a small hermitage in Pasai Donibane, one of the three neighbourhoods of Pasaia in the Basque Country. It sits on a rise above the old quarter, on the lower slopes of Mount Jaizkibel, looking straight down onto the narrow entrance to the bay.

How old is the chapel?

The building is first mentioned in written records from 1573. Its exact founding date is unknown, but it was rebuilt in 1758, and that reconstruction is essentially what visitors see today. The chapel served the fishing and seafaring community of Pasai Donibane, and its hillside position was never just symbolic — from here, residents could watch boats coming in and out of the bay.

What does the building look like?

The architecture is plain, in line with many rural chapels across Gipuzkoa: a rectangular floor plan, a single nave, and a choir loft set high above the entrance. The main door opens through a semicircular arch beneath that loft, with a second access on the south wall. Three rectangular windows light the interior. There is no elaborate facade decoration — the focus is entirely on the interior and the altarpiece.

What is inside worth seeing?

The centrepiece is a retable with a carved image of Saint Anne and the Virgin Mary. Local tradition holds that the figure was bought in Flanders in 1573 and shipped by sea to Pasaia — a detail that fits neatly with the town's centuries-old identity as a trading and seafaring port. The piece is valued for its age, craftsmanship, and surviving polychrome finish.

When is the best time to visit?

The chapel's biggest day is 26 July, the feast of Saint Anne. A high mass is celebrated that morning, followed by a long-standing local custom: caldo, a traditional broth, is handed out to everyone who attends. It is one of the fixed points on Pasai Donibane's yearly calendar. On any other day, the chapel is a quiet lookout point reached by a short, steep climb from the old town.

How do you get there?

The starting point is Alde Zaharra, the historic old quarter of Pasai Donibane, lined with the colourful houses that face the water. From there, a path climbs toward the Jaizkibel slopes; it is short but noticeably steep, so comfortable shoes help. Along the way and from the chapel itself, there are open views over the narrow channel connecting the bay of Pasaia to the sea — one of the most recognisable stretches of coastline in Gipuzkoa.

Anything else worth knowing?

Pasai Donibane is one of Pasaia's four districts and is known for its well-preserved old town and fishing heritage. Small as it is, Santa Ana Chapel carries real weight locally: it combines a religious role with centuries of use as a watchpoint over the bay's entrance. Visitors exploring the old quarter often come up here as much for the view as for the building itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the chapel open to visitors year-round? It remains an active place of worship, and public access outside scheduled masses and the 26 July feast day can be limited. Checking current hours locally or with the tourist information point is worthwhile before planning a visit.

How long is the walk from Pasai Donibane's old town? It is a short climb, usually taking just a few minutes, but the street is steep, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

What happens on the Santa Ana feast day, 26 July? A high mass is held at the chapel, followed by the traditional distribution of caldo (broth) to everyone present — one of the neighbourhood's most established customs.

Can you see the bay of Pasaia from the chapel? Yes — the view over the narrow bay entrance and the boats moving in and out of the port is one of the main reasons to make the climb.