Hermitage of San Marcial

This hermitage sits in the beautiful Aldabe mountain landscape. This mountain is known by Irun natives as San Marcial mountain. The hermitage was built in order to commemorate the victory over the French in the battle of 30th June 1522.

The primitive temple was destroyed in a fire caused by a bolt of lighting in 1796; it was rebuilt in 1804, when the new image was installed. The tower was built in 1910. The building, however, suffered further damage during the outbreak of civil war in 1936. Outside the building, there is a stone-carved pinnacle with two headstones which commemorate the battles of San Marcial. Every year, on the feast of San Marcial (30th June), locals stage a procession to the hermitage and take part in traditional celebrations.

There is an excellent viewpoint beside the temple, from which visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city, the bay of Txingudi, Hondarribia, the Bidasoa river, Jaizkibel, and much more.