~~~
History
The first reference to the veneration of Mary in Arrate dates back to the 13th century. In old documents, Mary is referred to as “Arreiateko Andra Mari”, meaning Our Lady between mountains and stones.
Even as early as before 1498, there was a Brotherhood of Our Lady of Arrate. This organisation was responsible for religious events.
In 1498, the sanctuary already existed according to a document. It was then a popular destination for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela, who passed through Eibar. To ease the hardships of pilgrims and to cater to their needs, there was an inn next to the sanctuary. Pilgrims could find bed, food, light and warmth there.
The sanctuary has been the favourite destination of the inhabitants of Eibar for many centuries.
Halfway through the 18th century, there was a theft in the church, but some relics were salvaged, as well as the statue of grace.
In 1904, a pilgrimage was held with around 10,000 religious followers.
The sanctuary has been altered over the centuries through the help of the Eibar town council and donations from benefactors. As a result, the beauty of the resort is enhanced and the comfort for visitors is improved.
The families of fishermen have Our Lady as their patron saint.
Pilgrimage site
The pilgrimage site is located on a mountain at 532 metres above sea level.
The sanctuary is called “Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Arrate”. This Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady of Arrate is very popular, especially with the inhabitants of Eibar and the surrounding area. The church is simple with one nave. The architectural style is Gothic.
The statue of Mary dates from the 14th century and is particularly revered by fishermen and their relatives. In the church, a replica ship hangs from the vault. Mary is also the protector of flute players and people from Basque Navarre here. This statue of the Immaculate Conception stands on the main altar, and Mary holds her Child in her arms.
In the church hang four oil paintings, two by two on either side of the statue of grace on the main altar, by the Spanish painter Ignacio Zuloaga y Zabaleta (1870-1945), from the nearby town of Eibar.
On the sides are two more altars, namely of Saint Joseph and Saint Anne. Both statues stand by gilded altarpieces.
There is a special song made about the ascension of the Virgin Mary of Arrate.
On Saturdays and Sundays, a bus runs in the vicinity that goes to the shrine.
The pilgrimage site is open daily.
ACCESSIBILITY
The pilgrimage site of Arrate is located near the large town of Eibar, in the northeast of Spain.
Arrate is located in the province of Gipuzkoa/Guipuzcoa.
Address: 20600 Arrate (Eibar).
From Eibar, first take the N 634 road and then follow the GI-3301 road to Arrate, which is located above Eibar.
Experience
My plan is to do a road trip around Northern Spain and I have chosen a few Marian shrines. The first stop is Arrate. Unfortunately, I do not have the correct address and a postcode could help me. I will enter this into my car's satnav.
The road goes upwards, and that is necessary, as the Marian pilgrimage site is located at over 500 metres above sea level. The road is narrow and as the altitude increases, the road narrows further. Suddenly, an oncoming vehicle! It's a matter of pulling over where possible. This means reversing a few dozen metres and moving slightly to the right. The other vehicle can continue, and so can I. After another kilometre of driving upwards, the road narrows even more. The width of the little road is barely three metres. There are still four kilometres to go.
Suddenly the road runs out. It's impossible to drive any further. Now it's a matter of trying to get help and I knock on a few doors. Without success! Nobody opens. Then, a little further on, I knock on a door again. A man opens it. I explain the situation, and he tells me to follow him. The man gets into a car and drives ahead of me. After a few kilometres, I arrive at the shrine via a different route. What a kind man! I offer him money for his services, but he refuses. I tell him that the money will go towards candles for a statue of Mary, and he nods kindly in agreement.
Upon arriving at the hill, I drive the car to the small car park. I step out and look at the exterior of the church. At least 5 cats are keeping a close eye on everything here. Even now, I notice one cat very keenly. The exterior of the church shows robustness. Now I'll get acquainted with the interior of this praiseworthy building.
The interior of the pilgrimage church immediately puts me in my place. A large, heavy iron gate dictates "hitherto, and no further." The statue of Our Lady of Grace is far from me. By taking a photograph, I bring myself closer to Mary. I see the Virgin Mary. What a woman! She is wearing a blue mantle. White flowers represent the Mother of God. This is a wondrous Madonna! Behind the bars of the imposing railing, I pray to Her.
For well over a quarter of an hour I have prayed to Mary with intentions. There are good people in my circle of acquaintances who could really use her support. Man is vulnerable and can so easily falter, even if you don't want them to. I ask for nothing for myself, because I am thankful for what I receive. I have no wishes either. Is that really so?, I ask myself.
At the back of the church there is a staircase that leads to the choir loft. From a height of about 4 metres, I have a good view of the people in front of the “iron curtain” and the space behind it. Then I wonder: is this looking down on people?
Before leaving the pilgrimage church, I thank Our Lady for allowing me to come here. Then I go outside. There, I look once more at the strong church, make the sign of the cross, and depart.
Environment
In the region of the pilgrimage site, there are many cycling and walking opportunities, as there is an extensive nature reserve here.
It is 10 km from the town of Eibar to the sanctuary of Arrate.
Travelling from Bilbao to Arrate is travelling 55 km to the East.
Setting off from the pilgrimage site of Arantzazu (Oñeta) to arrive in Arrate means travelling 40 km north.
Posted: 25 March 2025
~~~
