Art & Culture
Cultural Heritage
The sanctuary of Dorleta is located up on a hill in Leintz-Gatzaga, Gipuzkoa. Apart from being the municipality's emblem, the virgin of Dorleta is the cyclists' patron saint. In the past the building operated as watchtower and defence for the inhabitants and the economy existing in the surroundings of the salty stream until 1331, when Alfonso VI granted the municipal charter and the parish church was replaced by the church of San Millán.
Besides, the sanctuary functioned as a hostel for pilgrims on the Way of Saint James. The appearance is of a 17th century building but due to the restoration works it has undergone over the years the sanctuary merges styles, such as relives from the Middle Ages. There is a sculpture of the Virgin holding his son and both look at each other. The Gothic image dates back to the 13th-16th centuries.
Mass is held every Sunday at 12:30pm in the sanctuary of Dorleta from May to October (except the first weekend of July). Besides, on patron saint's festivities in early September a Major Mass is held along with special activities.
Santuario