Of all the monuments that the pilgrim can find along the Camino de Santiago, probably one of the most original is the church of Saint Mary of Eunate, one of the jewels of Spanish Romanesque architecture.
How to get.
Eunate Church is 2 km away. of Muruzabalin Navarre. If you are following the French Way, when you reach that town you can detour towards the church, instead of continuing directly towards obanos. Once in the church, it is not necessary to return to Muruzábal to follow the Camino; you can continue following the N6064 until you reach Obanos and Puente La Reina.
Because is special.
The church of Santa María de Eunate (one hundred doors, in Basque) is a Romanesque construction dating from the XNUMXth century, although there is great ignorance about its origins. When they were far from the town, and when they found each other, you would see (pilgrim symbols) in the tombs that surround the church, it is speculated that it was used as a hospice for pilgrims.
(Photos courtesy of TaxNavarra).
The most original aspect of its construction, apart from its porticoed gallery, is its octagonal plan, extremely unusual in Romanesque art. Said layout, similar to that of other churches founded by the Templar Throughout Europe, it has given rise to all kinds of speculations and legends about the association of this church with the Templar order, despite the fact that there is no archaeological evidence for it.
The legend of Eunate and Olcoz.
Regarding this church and another similar one in the nearby town of Olcoz, there is an interesting legend, but we will leave it for a future occasion…
