Sanctuary of San Miguel de Aralar

from our deep-rooted land towards the sky

Visit our sanctuary in the Aralar mountains

The sanctuary of San Miguel de Excelsis, nestled among the peaks of the Aralar mountain range in the municipality of Uharte Arakil, is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted centres of spirituality in Navarre. Its church, a jewel of Romanesque architecture, houses a beautiful enamel altar frontal, a masterpiece of 12th-century European goldsmithing. The titular image of San Miguel, covered in gilded silver, travels every year, bringing the Gospel message to hundreds of villages, parishes and organisations.

The doors of the sanctuary are always open to welcome pilgrims and visitors who come to this beautiful place steeped in history and devotion, legend and art.

SERVICIOS

Contamos con un equipo capacitado que brinda asesoramiento y servicios especializados para complementar la actividad productiva de empresas dedicadas a materiales de construcción y otros sectores. Nuestro compromiso radica en ofrecer un soporte valioso, aportando nuestra experiencia y conocimiento específico para mejorar la eficiencia y el rendimiento de nuestros clientes productores y terceros.

Welcome to Aralar

The effigy of Saint Michael

Every spring, the effigy of Saint Michael of Aralar visits more than three hundred villages, parishes, schools and organisations, following a tradition of faith deeply rooted in the soul of our people. The first outing was for the consecration of Pamplona Cathedral in 1127. Since then, it has been coming to the city punctually on the Tuesday of the second week of Easter.

Saint Michael, who carries the Cross of Salvation on his head, brings us the announcement of Christ’s Resurrection every year and offers us God’s blessing on our lives, our families, and our work.

The rest of the year, the image of the Angel of Aralar presides over the sanctuary of San Miguel in Excelsis, one of the oldest in Navarre (9th century), an artistic gem of the first order, witness to the faith and devotion expressed over the centuries by thousands and thousands of pilgrims who have come to its doors to receive God’s comfort, forgiveness and grace. In 2019, 71,300 people entered the temple.

The ancient walls of this temple preserve an exceptional treasure that alone would be worth the visit for any visitor. It is the enamelled altarpiece of Santa María, a masterpiece of medieval art, crafted by the finest goldsmiths and enamellers of Limoges in the 12th century especially for this sanctuary, which demonstrates the appeal and importance that San Miguel has had for the Christian people. This is how Bishop Pedro de Artajona saw it and fought for this place, when he gave the house of Lakuntzetxe to the brotherhood in 1191.

We would like to invite you all, with all our hearts, to visit the Sanctuary of San Miguel de Aralar. You can do so now, through the texts and photographs on this website, and at any time, by reaching the top of the mountain range on foot, by bike, motorbike or car. We assure you that you will feel the emotion of stepping on land blessed by the fervour of thousands of pilgrims who have invoked God and Saint Michael the Archangel for over a thousand years. You will find a perfect place for prayer and contemplation, and you will admire an unparalleled landscape and natural environment. You will discover a unique monument, an example of the purest Romanesque art in Europe, and a place that has been a constant witness to the history of our people.

Any day is a good day to climb Aralar; any Sunday is a good day to participate in the Eucharist celebrated in this ‘sanctuary on high’; any time is a good time to participate in the numerous processions and celebrations that take place throughout the year. In short, any time is a good time to return the visit that this travelling archangel makes to our city, our town, our home, bringing us the saving message that Christ has risen.

The Sanctuary is currently undergoing a process of research (archaeology, the image, the enamels, the ivory casket) and renovation (Lakuntzetxe, church roofs, and in the future, bathrooms, shop and guesthouse). We thank you for your prayers, understanding and contributions. All these efforts are being channelled towards a Jubilee Year, which we will request from the Pope, together with other San Miguel Shrines. May Saint Michael the Archangel help us to give glory to God and seek the good of our brothers and sisters.

Alfonso Garciandía Goñi, Minister Chaplain

On behalf of the chaplains, members, brothers and collaborators of the Shrine