The Ignatian Way

The Ignatian Way retraces the route taken by the knight Ignatius of Loyola in 1522 from his birthplace in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa, to the Catalonian city of Manresa. Following his spiritual conversion in Loyola, he set out on the pilgrimage with the intention of reaching the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Today’s pilgrim route is based on the spiritual writings of Sant Ignasi and runs from the house of his birth in Loyola, in Azpeitia, to the “Cova de Sant Ignasi”, or Cave of Saint Ignatius near the Monastery of Montserrat in Manresa, Catalonia. It is a long, challenging walk (approximately 675 kms) through five of Spain’s autonomous communities which takes about 30 days to complete.

 The Ignatian Way through the Basque Country

The itinerary begins in Basque lands and crosses two of its provinces, Gipuzkoa and Álava, before continuing on its way. A total of 7 stages and 150 kilometres, marked with the beacons of the GR 120, which will provide us with a unique experience. While the Basque section is considered the toughest of the entire pilgrimage, it offers walkers a unique opportunity to learn about the six regions it passes through: Urola Garaia, Urola Erdia, Debagoiena, the plains and mountains of Alava, and the Rioja Alta wine-growing region in Alava. This part of the route is particularly attractive for pilgrims in search of an experience similar to the Way of St. James.