Santa María de Cenarruza Monastery, Ziortza-Bolibar, Spain

The Collegiate Church of Cenarruza was an important enclave in the Route of Santiago de Compostela, and its influence extended beyond the comarca and surpassed the religious scope.

Tradition marks its founding in the 10th century. According to legend, on the day of the Assumption in the year 968 the local inhabitants held a mass in the Church of Santa Lucia de Garay, when an eagle picked up a skull from an opened tomb and dropped it in the place where the Collegiate Church is situated today. The people understood this event to be a sign and raised the religious complex in that place.

The church, originally built in the 14th century but continually rebuilt until it obtained, in the 15th century, the current Gothic style. In its interior there is a magnificent organ, one of the most ancient in Biscay, and a large group of sculptures. The portico has curious carvings in its beams, and the front door has a group of sculptures representing Jesus Christ and two musician angels.

The cloister was built in the Renaissance period. It has a square floor-plan, and the spandrels are decorated with shells and Fleur-de-lis crosses.

There was a hospital for pilgrims that was destroyed in a fire and was subsequently rebuilt as a hostel managed by Cistercian monks and is the property of the monastery of Oliva in Navarra. There are remains of a walkway which formed part of the Santiago Route.

References:

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User Reviews

Andoni Arriaga (4 years ago)
Expectacular

Mark van Dijk (5 years ago)
We arrived here during covid times in summer as hikers on the camino. We bought a beer, had a chat with the friendly monks and asked if we could sleep in our tent on the lawn of the monastery. The monks kindly welcomed us, let us put the tent under the trees next to the building and we were truly touched by their hospitality and kindness. They offer pilgrims a free bed if there is space in the dorm, free simple showers and toilets, and even offered us a warm meal. All free of charge. We gave them a donation of course as it is the least one can do in gratitude for such kindness.

Andrew Porteous (5 years ago)
A beautiful surprise on the Camino del Norte. It was closed the day I passsed, but is a spectacular building, well worth stopping for a look.

shaun tierenteyn (6 years ago)
Peacefull, beautyfull and energetic place!

TxicoTxeco (8 years ago)
The best albergue on the camino so far!

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