**Itziar** ::naturaleza 
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The sanctuary of Itziar, located beneath the Andutz massif, is an important landmark on the Camino de Santiago, with documentary references dating back to 1027. The building combines remnants from the 14th century with 16th-century renovations, and inside it houses the renowned Romanesque image of the Virgin of Itziar, deeply venerated by the sailors of Gipuzkoa. Its 16th-century Renaissance altarpiece, attributed to Andrés de Araoz and damaged by various fires throughout its history, is also particularly noteworthy.
The temple is surrounded by legends and historical episodes: from the Angels who supposedly moved the construction materials, to the donation made by Juan Sebastián Elcano after completing the first circumnavigation of the world. Embedded in its façade is a large 15th-century stone cannonball, kept as an ex-voto, and in earlier times the ships passing before the sanctuary would fire cannon salutes as a sign of respect.

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