Saint Mary of Eunate

Walking the "Camino Aragonés" - approaching Saint Mary of Eunate from the east.

The church (left) is isolated, as it was erected not in a village, but in the middle of fields. Obanos, the town seen on he backgrounds (right), was probably only a small village in medieval times. From Eunate to Puente la Reina, where the "Camino Aragonés" / "Via Tolosana" joins the busy "Camino Francés" is only a short walk.

There is not much information about the origins of this wonderful, octogonal church. The floorplan is surely inspired by the "Church of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem". Such churches (eg Tomar, Estrella, Pisa..) are often connected to the Knights Templar, but there no proof, that they have ever been in this area. The earliest documented reference is from 1487 and just mentions the "Virgin of Eunate".

It is a spectacular church, surrounded by arches, that for sure has served the pilgrims in the early days.