House of Loyola

“Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam”

Origin: Basque tower-house lords who produced St. Ignatius

The Loyola family occupied a fortified tower-house in the Basque hills that would become one of the most famous birthplaces in Catholic history.\n\nÍñigo López de Loyola, later St. Ignatius of Loyola, was born here in 1491. After a cannonball shattered his leg at Pamplona, he underwent a spiritual conversion that led to the founding of the Society of Jesus.\n\nThe family's tower-house became a basilica and pilgrimage site, transforming from a minor Basque stronghold into a world-famous shrine.

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Spain: The Hidden Kingdoms is a digital platform dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich folklore, legends, and untold stories from every corner of Spain. From medieval castles to forgotten villages, we bring ancient tales to life.