Hermitage of Santa María La Real de Belate

The Monastery-Hospital of Santiago stands as a powerful reminder of the pilgrims who once journeyed through this region. Founded shortly before 1160 on a secondary route of the Camino de Santiago, it was built to provide food and shelter to travelers, offering not only physical rest but also spiritual comfort on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

Thanks to its strategic location, the monastery received many donations and privileges, experiencing periods of great prosperity. By 1325, it was home to 21 religious members devoted to assisting pilgrims, making it a vital stop along the Camino.

Over the centuries, the monastery faced many destructions. In 1513, it was attacked by the troops of John of Albret. On April 23, 1764, a devastating fire destroyed much of its interior, taking with it valuable furnishings and relics. The structural walls were badly damaged, leading to the dismantling of much of the building. In 1793, during the War of the Convention, French troops inflicted further damage.

The fire also destroyed the original image of the Virgin once worshipped at the monastery. A new, smaller statue was later carved and is now venerated in Alkotz. This figure has become a symbol of the community’s resilience and the devotion of pilgrims. Pilgrimages were held on August 28 (Saint Augustine's Day), but these traditions ended after the final destruction of the site.

The hermitage features a single nave with five bays and a pointed barrel vault. The interior walls are plastered, and the exterior is made of finely crafted ashlar masonry. The entrance is framed by five elegant pointed archivolts resting on column capitals, and a unique Renaissance-style window adorns the upper part of the façade.

The large buttresses on the north side suggest the former presence of an atrium, while those on the south were added later to help heat the interior for the comfort of its guests.

The Monastery-Hospital of Santiago is more than a historical site — it is a symbol of pilgrimage through the ages. Located on an ancient road, possibly once a Roman route, it remains a place of great interest for pilgrims and history lovers alike.

This monument invites reflection and offers a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. If you're traveling through the region, don’t miss a visit to the Hotel Restaurante Venta de Ultzama, where you can rest and enjoy traditional dishes like our famous canutillos and creamy cuajada. Come and experience a unique blend of history, nature, and gastronomy on the Camino!