Sanctuary of Estibaliz, guided tours, schedules and much more.

Sanctuary of Estibaliz, the treasure of the Romanesque of Euskadi.

The Sanctuary of Estibaliz, officially the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estibaliz, is one of the most important religious sites in Araba. An enclave of great popular roots, located near Vitoria Gasteiz, less than 10 km from the capital, represents one of its most important attractions. Not only for its history and tradition, but also for its importance and architectural beauty. It is one of the greatest jewels of Romanesque architecture in the Basque Country. Almost nothing.This enclave visited annually by thousands of people from Alava invites us to enjoy through worship and leisure. In addition to the aforementioned sanctuary, there is also a fronton, swings, barbecues and a large parking lot. Spaces that allow us to honor the Virgin of Estibaliz, the patron saint of Araba since 1941, and enjoy a nice day with the family. Who would like to visit the Sanctuary of Estibaliz with us?

Throughout this article we will unravel each of the secrets of one of the oldest and most emblematic enclaves of Euskadi. With it we will try to solve any question you may have about the Sanctuary of Estibaliz. In case you have any doubt we remind you that you can use the system of comments that you will find at the end of these lines to send them to us. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Here is everything you should know about the Sanctuary of Estibaliz. We hope you like it and that it helps you to plan your getaway.

The Sanctuary of Estibaliz gives us several essential elements to visit and enjoy. Among all of them we must highlight the Romanesque temple, the carving of the Virgin of Estibaliz (XII century), the baptismal font or the interpretation center of the Romanesque in Araba. Magical spaces that have an incredible historical and cultural importance within the Romanesque of the north.

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estibaliz.

The Sanctuary of Estibaliz, patron saint of Araba, is a religious building of the XII century that represents one of the greatest jewels of the Romanesque in Euskadi. An architectural work of cross plan, which is divided into 3 naves and has a head with 3 apses. A sanctuary that in 1931 was declared of Cultural Interest. As we have already mentioned, Estibaliz has a church with 3 apses, a type of structure unique in the Basque Country. An architectural project of great social, economic and political importance that also stands out for its great Speciosa façade.This sanctuary houses the medieval carving of the Virgin of Estibaliz. Undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of the sanctuary. A medieval figure carved in wood representing the Virgin of Estibaliz. A figure of the XII century that built in cherry wood and adorned with different tones of the time, rests at the bottom of the central nave, next to the altar. An element that together with the door and the baptismal font makes us travel to another era. We must remember that this figure suffered great damages that were restored in 1897. However, the carving still has original medieval elements. If we look with determination in each of the components that we find in its facade we will see that the decoration has all kinds of details. Vegetable elements merge with figures from other eras to give this building a unique beauty.

Surroundings of the Sanctuary of Estibaliz.

Next to the Sanctuary of Estibaliz we find a series of spaces that make it easy to spend a pleasant day with the family. An example of this is the fronton, the swings, the bar, the barbecues, the tables and the large parking lot that we find nearby. This is how this emblematic and traditional corner of Araba invites us to spend the day in this privileged place. As if all this were not enough, during different times of the year we have the possibility of getting to know Estibaliz from the hand of real experts in the field. The interpretation center of the Romanesque in Araba offers guided tours to the Sanctuary of Estibaliz for only 4 €. A good proposal to get to know closely the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Estibaliz while enjoying a day outdoors.

History of the Sanctuary of Estibaliz.

To know the history of the Sanctuary of Estibaliz we must go back to the first populations of the province of Araba. Although the first texts and archaeological remains point to the 10th and 12th centuries as the first signs of life in this Basque enclave, it is believed that there was a Roman settlement in the area where we find the sanctuary today. It is during these centuries (X and XII) when Estibaliz represents one of the areas of greatest social and political importance. According to historians, at that time Estibaliz was composed of a monastery or church and a fortified house that represented the most important urban nucleus of the area. Unfortunately, nothing remains of that time. Maria Lopez, the last heir of the family that inhabited Estibaliz, donated these lands and buildings to the monastery of Santa Maria la Real de Najera. From this moment the religious order began the construction of the Romanesque temple that we can contemplate today. During the 16th century the sanctuary was abandoned. It remained in this state until 1923, when the Benedictines took over the monastery.

Guided visits to the Sanctuary of Estibaliz.

The guided tours to the Sanctuary of Estibaliz represent the best option to know everything that surrounds this place of worship. These tours show us the Sanctuary of Estibaliz during most Saturdays of the year. We must remember that in summer these guided tours are extended to all Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the same time (17:30). While in the months of November, December, January and February there is no possibility of guided visits.

These guided tours are good value for money. Remember that during this guided tour you can also visit the interpretation center attached to the church. Undoubtedly another reason to take this guided tour to the Sanctuary of Estibaliz.

Interpretation Center of the Romanesque in Araba.

Next to the Sanctuary of Estibaliz, in one of the sides of the monastery, we find the Interpretation Center of the Romanesque in Araba. A space that helps us to understand and know the different structures of this style that we find throughout the province of Araba. An interpretation center that highlights an important part of our history. A space of obligatory visit if you want to know the different Romanesque churches that we have in the Llanada alavesa and the rest of the province. This interpretation center and the Sanctuary of Estibaliz represent the perfect starting point to begin to know the different representations of the Romanesque of Araba. The 4 rooms that make up this center show us through audiovisuals, panels, models and interactive maps the particularities of this medieval style. Are you ready to get to know the Romanesque of Alava?

What to see near Estibaliz.

In the vicinity of the Sanctuary of Estibaliz we find a large number of places to visit. And its strategic location in the interior of the province provides us with an exceptional starting point to visit the rest of Araba and Euskadi.

How to get to the Sanctuary of Estibaliz.

The Sanctuary of Estibaliz is located just 10 km from Vitoria Gasteiz, on top of a hill, in the town of Argandoña. A place of worship, which, declared a Natural Park, houses the greatest jewel of the Romanesque of Euskadi. To reach this point we must use private transport as there is no option to get there using public transport. That said, we must point out that its proximity to the capital of Alava makes it possible to reach the Sanctuary of Estibaliz by car, bicycle or even walking. It all depends on the effort you want to make and the time you have available. Although by car we can get there in less than 15 minutes, if we do it on foot we can take more than 1 hour and 30 minutes. You choose. If you decide to arrive by car to Estibaliz we recommend you to use the A-132 and the A-4159.

Schedules Sanctuary of Estibaliz.

The Sanctuary of Estibaliz is open every day from 8:00 to 20:00. A very extensive schedule that allows us to know the exterior and interior of this sanctuary during any time of the year. In case you want to know the temple through a guided tour, you should know that the only existing option today is to take the guided tour proposed by the interpretation center of the Romanesque in Araba. A guided tour that besides showing us the most important landmarks of this jewel of the Romanesque also allows us to know the different rooms that are part of the interpretation center of the hand of an expert. Undoubtedly a great alternative for those seeking to learn more about all the architectural structures of this artistic style.

Celebration of the Virgin of Estibaliz.

The festival held in honor of Our Lady of Estibaliz, patron saint of Araba since 1941, takes place on May 1. A very special day, when the fields of Estibaliz are filled with life to honor the patron saint of the province. According to different historians, this day was already special since the twelfth century, and it seems that during this day the feast of atonement was celebrated. Although this theory has not been proven by documents or other evidence, legend has it that Sancho el Mayor decided to make this day the day on which the people of Alava settled their disagreements. This act took place inside and outside the Sanctuary of Estibaliz. First in a peaceful way and later, if it was not solved, by means of a duel. The first one who lost a drop of blood lost the duel and therefore the reason.

Routes from Estibaliz.

There are several routes that cross the Sanctuary of Estibaliz. This area, once an important commercial crossroads, is today crossed by the Way of St. James, the great Wine and Fish Route, the Green Route of the Basque-Navarre Railway and other small routes. A varied and rich group of routes that we recommend you enjoy in case you are looking for routes to do in the vicinity of this famous Basque enclave.

Estibaliz Sanctuary Masses.

The schedules of the masses celebrated in the Sanctuary of Estibaliz can be modified for various reasons, we recommend confirming the schedules indicated in this section before attending. Here is a brief summary of the usual schedules.

Estibaliz’s name.

The name Estibaliz, popularly also known in Euskadi through variations such as Esti or Estitxu, is one of the strongest female names in Euskadi. And it is that this name is on the list of most used female names between 2014 and 2016. The origin of this name has many theories but of special importance is the one that tells us that Estibaliz comes from Aestivalis from Aestivus / aestas, Latin for “summer”. It is believed that this name could point to those people who were born at this time of the year. Many people say that the name Estibaliz comes from 2 words in Basque, eztia and balitz, translated into Spanish it would be something like “if it were honey”, a theory that Euskaltzaindia, the Royal Academy of the Basque Language, has discarded to give way to the theory that we have mentioned. On the other hand, we think it is important to point out that, according to Euskaltzaindia, the name Estibariz or Estibaris, a masculine name used in the Middle Ages in the Basque Country, is not related to the sanctuary that concerns us today.

Video of the Sanctuary of Estibaliz.

As usual in all our articles we have published a short video about the Sanctuary of Estibaliz. An audiovisual with which we intend to bring you closer to the beauty of this Basque place. In case you like this video we encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel, we are sure you will find experiences and Basque destinations that catch your attention.

As you have been able to see the Sanctuary of Estibaliz is one of the most special enclaves of the province of Araba. A small corner of Euskal Herria, which, located on the outskirts of Vitoria Gasteiz, about 10 minutes by car, allows us to learn more about the history, culture and traditions of this land. Ondo pasa!