Eunate closed now. See here opening.

As LTfit notes the small church of Santa Maria de Eunate is, indeed, extraordinary. Coming along the path and catching the first glimpse of this wonderful spot is always a thrill. The circular plan of this thousand year old structure may be based on the plan of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. All is surrounded by an octagonal cloister. Built by unknown craftsmen and set within a natural bowl the ocher sandstone walls blend into the almost sculpted nearby fields planted with corn and fennel. Here one senses the peace of eternity .

When last I visited in October 2011 during the evening four other pilgrims and I shared warm hospitality in the then open adjacent albergue. (It could only accommodate seven ) Two gracious hospitaleros from Strasbourg served an outstanding supper. Afterwards we held a simple candlelit prayer service in the mystic church giving thanks for our Caminos, our lives and our loves. Later as we each fell asleep on floor mattresses in the attic dorm we pilgrims remarked on our great luck and pleasure in sharing such precious moments. ...I thought how wonderful it had been to revisit this beloved place once again.... May peace reign here another thousand years.

MM

Unfortunately the albergue is no more - I am happy you got to stay there, @mspath !
But even without being able to enter the church, this is a very special place.
So closed or not, certainly it is worth the not very long detour. And if you stay nearby you can leave your pack at the albergue and walk there and back unencumbered. Last year I stayed at Albergue Le Jardin in Muruzabal, and it was a lovely walk to Eunate and back. And the Albergue was a lovely family-run place.

I am starting Camino frances Dec 5 or 6. From Roncesvalles. I’ll be walking for only 8 days.
Need advice on what places are open.
Seth

Thank You!