The Parroquia de San Ignacio (Parish of Saint Ignacio), also called Iglesia de San Ignacio de Loyola (Church of Saint Ignacio de Loyola) is a picturesque temple in the city of San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa Province, Basque Country, in northern Spain. Gaze up at this neo-Gothic construction located in a well-known area called Gros. Marvel at the valuable works of art on display.
This lovely parish was created in the year 1883, but its construction didn’t start until 9 years later. It’s a big church with a capacity for 1,900 people and was designed by José Goicoa Bazcaiztegui, an architect from San Sebastián. He is responsible for many other constructions in the city, including the Gobierno Civil y Delegación de Hacienda (Civil Government building) in the famous Plaza de Gipuzkoa, the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts) and several other churches and schools. Queen Maria Cristina placed the first stone for the Parroquia de San Ignacio and the official inauguration took place in 1897. Tour this elegant building and admire its great paintings, impressive altars and neo-Gothic tombs.
Wander inside the Iglesia de San Ignacio to study the interior constructed from rich materials and adorned with several works of art. Notice the stunning Altar Virgen de los dolores (Virgen of sorrows Altar), made with white marble, and the Altar de la Inmaculada (Immaculate Altar) by the Gipuzkoa sculptor Isidoro Uribesalgo. This famous artist also created the Panteón del Duque de Mandas (Pantheon of the Duke of Mandas) that is also located in the church.
See the elegant paintings of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart of Jesus) and the detailed scenes of the life of San Ignacio in the Capilla Mayor (Main Chapel). Marvel at the stained-glass windows by Casa Maumejean, a family business that has been producing these incredible windows for more than 150 years.
Explore the Parroquia de San Ignacio in the Plaza de Cataluña, a picturesque square in the Gros district.
