Stunning architecture in the Basque Valley

Spain's Atlantic Coast Pilgrimage ~ Guipúzcoa This small town, nestled in the heart of the Basque Country (Euskadi) peninsula, lies in a beautiful valley, surrounded on all sides by green mountains except for the southern slopes, where the massive Alonha limestone formations dominate. In fact, Oñati means "place covered with hills" in Euskera (Basque). The painter Ignacio Zuloaga called it "the Basque Toledo" for its majestic beauty. A visit to Oñati is like a journey through a vast array of artistic styles, encompassing everything from Gothic carvings in churches, hermitages, and towers to the avant-garde art of Arantzazu. Upon arrival, we were captivated by the courtyards encompassing the Bidaureta Monastery and the Almshouse (built in the early 16th century). We then strolled along the streets to Plaza Fueros (Foruen Emparantza), the Church of San Miguel, and the University of the Holy Spirit, admiring the cascading towers, palaces, monasteries, and ancestral homes, ranging from Gothic to Neo-Gothic styles. Oñati's most iconic monument is the university, with its silversmith-style facade incorporating Renaissance elements. It is one of the most significant examples of Basque Renaissance architecture. Also striking are the Gothic Church of San Miguel (with a Baroque tower), the beautiful 16th-century cloister, through which the Ubao River flows, and the new Gothic Latlan Church. On the outskirts of Oñati, we found the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aranzazu, a modern monumental shrine. #SeptemberDestinations2025#VizcayaAttractions#SpainTravel