• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • Hi Please note that the posts below are created automatically when a new Resource is created in the Camino Resource section. Users can only make replies to the topics below, not create new threads.

    Buen Camino!
    Ivar

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

The Abbey

The Abbey

The Abbey

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances
The Abbey submitted a new resource:

The Abbey - A Project by Pilgrims for Pilgrims

We first saw this abandoned and derelict abbey whilst walking the Camino de Santiago in 2010 and dreamed of fixing it up.

Our plan is to create a not for profit establishment where pilgrims can take refuge under shady oaks from the scorching summer sun. A place where they can relax in hammocks alongside the stream that flows through the garden or sleep out under the stars at night.

We dream of creating a space where the comercialism of the Camino can be held at bay for a little while...

Read more about this resource...
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Lovely project, and a dream many pilgrims have when they pass by an abandoned building on the Camino.

This being said, I'm sorry I don't know who you are, who your organisation is? Perhaps I have missed something?
 
Lovely project, and a dream many pilgrims have when they pass by an abandoned building on the Camino.

This being said, I'm sorry I don't know who you are, who your organisation is? Perhaps I have missed something?

I waited for someone else to respond before I chimed in. I have walked the CF only twice but I don't remember seeing this structure. So the question is, where is it?
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I don't want to underestimate your efforts @The Abbey. lovely idea, but I cant find your location even with Google Maps. Would you be so kind to post exact location, please, because I don't recall the house itself neither the names of the villages in your avatar...

K1
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Ideal pocket guides for during & after your Camino. Each weighs only 1.4 oz (40g)!
I don't want to underestimate your efforts @The Abbey. lovely idea, but I cant find your location even with Google Maps. Would you be so kind to post exact location, please, because I don't recall the house itself neither the names of the villages in your avatar...

K1

Hi there. If you use Google maps and type in the either Ilarratz or Eskirotz you'll see The Abbey situated on the Camino. (NA2336) between the two villages. It's official name is The Abbey of Eskirotz and Ilarratz. (but in Spanish of course)
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2015-02-14 at 11.14.43 PM.png
    Screen Shot 2015-02-14 at 11.14.43 PM.png
    430.7 KB · Views: 14
Hi there. If you use Google maps and type in the either Ilarratz or Eskirotz you'll see The Abbey situated on the Camino. (NA2336) between the two villages. It's official name is The Abbey of Eskirotz and Ilarratz. (but in Spanish of course)
Thanks @The Abbey , I've figured that out :)
Lovely spot and remarkable endeavour you've undertaken!!!
 
Thanks @The Abbey , I've figured that out :)
Lovely spot and remarkable endeavour you've undertaken!!!

Thank you. It is beautiful but we have to admit that there have been days whilst slogging away in the snow and the mud in minus five degrees that we've asked ourselves if we've made the right decision? Decades of neglect and five years of abandonment and vandalism have really taken their toll. That said, it's starting to show promise but there are some structural challenges we will need to overcome in the future. Thanks for your interest and kind words. Both are much appreciated.
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Thank you. It is beautiful but we have to admit that there have been days whilst slogging away in the snow and the mud in minus five degrees that we've asked ourselves if we've made the right decision? Decades of neglect and five years of abandonment and vandalism have really taken their toll. That said, it's starting to show promise but there are some structural challenges we will need to overcome in the future. Thanks for your interest and kind words. Both are much appreciated.
I kind of know what you're talking about because my father was a construction engineer. And he always responded to my soft spot for old houses that the expenses are to be counted times 3 (at least) in comparison with newly built house. Shame...
If I'm ever to walk Frances again in near future I'll make sure to stop by. Or even come to Spain solely for that pupose! Have faith!!!!!!!!!!

Ultreia!
 
I'll drive down there next month and see what I can help you out with.
Oh, yes, do that please. Some individual responses/insights would be welcome since it seems to be just an ideal spot for mending tired pilgrims.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I kind of know what you're talking about because my father was a construction engineer. And he always responded to my soft spot for old houses that the expenses are to be counted times 3 (at least) in comparison with newly built house. Shame...
If I'm ever to walk Frances again in near future I'll make sure to stop by. Or even come to Spain solely for that pupose! Have faith!!!!!!!!!!

Ultreia!

Thank you. You would be most welcome. If you'd like to follow our progress I suggest following our Facebook page. I try and post updates there everyday. (even if it is just about the weather) The page gives a lot of insight into what we've overcome thus far. I've posted old maps, photographs and some of the challenges we've faced thus far. Not all of them mind you - I said to someone the other day that one needs the patience of Job, the wealth of Solomon and the courage of David when doing business with the Catholic Church. Luckily that part of our adventure is now over.
 
I waited for someone else to respond before I chimed in. I have walked the CF only twice but I don't remember seeing this structure. So the question is, where is it?

Anyone would be forgiven for missing the abbey as they walked down the road from Llarratz - the property was badly overgrown and desperately neglected. An old local tells us he hasn't seen the back field from the road for more than thirty years! After months of really hard work thats now changed. The attached photograph shows the rear of the church as it looked before we started clearing - it's little wonder you missed it.
 

Attachments

  • Overgrown.jpg
    Overgrown.jpg
    231.9 KB · Views: 37
I'll drive down there next month and see what I can help you out with.

Thats very kind of you and you will be most welcome. If you let us know when you're coming you can perhaps stay with us in our home in Pamplona. (the abbey isn't habitable at present)
 
Join the Camino Cleanup in May from Ponferrada to Sarria. Registration closes Mar 22.
Thats very kind of you and you will be most welcome. If you let us know when you're coming you can perhaps stay with us in our home in Pamplona. (the abbey isn't habitable at present)
I'll be in touch, I need to drive down to SJPdP to get a credential for my walk from Oloron to Logrono so I'll be in the neighborhood in March or April.
 
We'll be sure to stop by next spring!

I've been following you on FaceBook, and I just want to reiterate what an amazing thing it is you're doing. Thank you.
 
"thomryng, post: 280906, member: 12915"]We'll be sure to stop by next spring!
I've been following you on FaceBook, and I just want to reiterate what an amazing thing it is you're doing. Thank you.'

Thank you Thom for your kind words - and support on Facebook - Catherine and I look forward to meeting you some day.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
According to their fundraising page, in Labiano, outside of Pamplona. There is also a FBpage: https://www.facebook.com/theabbey.es
Hola - I was just onto their FB page and it was (as far as I could see) sadly lacking in identification of them and the location of the Abbey. Thanks to the poster above who provided the location - near Pamplona.
 
Hola - I was just onto their FB page and it was (as far as I could see) sadly lacking in identification of them and the location of the Abbey. Thanks to the poster above who provided the location - near Pamplona.

It's interesting to see how many people that visit our Facebook page fail to read the 'about' section - which is if you'll pardon me saying is the most obvious place to look for information? And, if you had taken the time to look through our photographs it's also pretty obvious that it's a project being conduct by just two people… but again, the 'about' section explains all this. Also, (and I hate to sounds defensive) every image we post here and on Facebook has 'The Abbey' watermarked on it as well as the names - Ilarratz and Eskirotz… which incidentally also appears here under our name.
 
Last edited:
It's interesting to see how many people that visit our Facebook page fail to read the 'about' section - which is if you'll pardon me saying is the most obvious place to look for information? And, if you had taken the time to look through our photographs it's also pretty obvious that it's a project being conduct by just two people… but again, the 'about' section explains all this. Also, (and I hate to sounds defensive) every image we post here and on Facebook has 'The Abbey' watermarked on it as well as the names - Ilarratz and Eskirotz… which incidentally also appears here under our name.
Actually I DID look at the "about" section and I did examine all of your photographs. The problem was that the "I " (as in ilarratz) was somewhat indistinct (to my poor old eyes). If I recall there was mention of "down the road from Pamplona" - but it did not say either before or after. I have not found relevant section of the Camino where your Abbey is located and its before Larrasoana - sort of 3 or 4 km (maybe less) - its often difficult to get the distances correct on the Brieley book - I am working off the 2012 edition which does not appear to mention you. So now we ALL know where you are. Great and since I am starting from Pamplona in early Sept I will not get the opportunity to visit. Keep up with the garden clearing and the snow!!
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
For those of us whose Spanish geographical knowledge is mostly based on Camino routes, the following map may be more useful than "close to the city of Pamplona" as it clearly shows Zubirri, Lazarona, and Ilasrratz, especially if pilgrims are the target crowddelivered workers, helpers and visitors.
 
For those of us whose Spanish geographical knowledge is mostly based on Camino routes, the following map may be more useful than "close to the city of Pamplona" as it clearly shows Zubirri, Lazarona, and Ilasrratz, especially if pilgrims are the target crowddelivered workers, helpers and visitors.

What I'm not sure about is why when the villages of Ilarratz and Eskirotz are so clearly marked on all maps that relate to the Camino Frances and are mentioned in all of our postings - our Facebook page, the Camino Forum and on all of our photographs, we still need to be having this discussion?

The Abbey is a rather special old building that needs a lot of attention. It's situated between Ilarratz and Eskirotz. It's official designation in the Spanish catalogue of culturally important buildings is 'The Abbey of Eskirotz and Ilarratz.' It doesn't get clearer than that. If you haven't already grasped this, it is to be our family home. But given it's location and size we plan on sharing it with those who may be interested.
It already offers respite to injured and weary pilgrims - without charge or expectation of reimbursement. The hospitality we offer and the care we show to those that are in need is merely a reflection of who we are - not because its a 'pilgrim facility.'

As I recall it was you Anemone that initially started off by asking who and what we were? No introduction from yourself as to who and what you might be? And yes, you did miss something - you failed to see us for who we are. Catherine and I work seven days a week, every week trying to save this building and I see little point of your continuing to split hairs about where our property is. It's been there for eight hundred years and it isn't going anywhere soon.

And just by the way, it is close to Pamplona. I know, because I drive out each and every day from Pamplona to work there. Sometimes twice a day. If you're passing, pop in and come and introduce yourself.
 
Last edited:
Someone certainly got off on the wrong side of the bed this week. Why so defensive? Keep in mind that you are asking for money, free workers, and pilgrims to build you private home. And keep in mind that to get that marketing is key. So if the target demographic tells you they don't find it, it doesn't matter how much you huff and puff, your target demographic can't find it. Do you want the donations, workers and clients?

Taking your points, one by one: a) Brierly guide: not mentioned in the elevation map, mentioned on the road map, but only as a yellow dot, except for Esquirotz that gets an extra F for fountain. Page 80 in my edition only reads "From the medieval bridge Puente de la Rabia continue up a concrete path and continue over a stream to climb above the bleak Magnesitas industrial complex and through the hamlets of Osteriz, Illarratz and Esquirroz (F) and covered rest area and along the Agra valley to: '.... and then a number of places are described in detail. 2) Pili Pala Press: "As the factory buildings end, turn right to walk down a flight of steps. Keep straight at a junction, cross a small stream and continue a path paved with flat stones uphill towards the village of Illaratz, which you'll reach in a km. Follow the minor roads to the hamlet of Esquirtoz 1 km away, which has a fountain. On the other side of Esquirtoz ...." . 3) The Eroski site: "Km 2,9. Ilarratz - Ochocientos metros entramos en Eskirotz. Km 3,7. Eskirotz - A escasos dos kilómetros se encuentra Larrasoaña. Pueblo señero de la ruta jacobea, vertebrado por la calle San Nicolás, que debe su origen a la fundación de un monasterio en el siglo X. So while there is a mention of these hamlets, please be so kind as to forgive the poor pilgrim who can only register so much and might remember places with cafes and algergues more than a hamlet you walk through after walking through a horrible factory (which non of us will forget I'm sure, but not in a good way).


There is also a difference between asking a question and questioning. But the more I read the more I question. When I asked in my response to your post if you were a church, group of volonteres, " friends of " I was simply asking a question, because your post did not have a preamble, an introduction. There was no jugement. But to understand better we just had to go to your website where you asked for money, a website that gave an address not on the Camino, as you explain now so well. You now tell us "If you haven't already grasped this, it is to be our family home", well clearly your target audience did not get this in your first post. On purpose? And I am not the one asking for money, or free labour. (I fundraise for a living, so perhaps I have less tolerance for people who ask for money without fully disclosing. They they create mistrust in the public, and rightly so, and then reputable, responsible charities suffer, but that is a whole other topic). Who am I? A 40 something woman who takes off 3 weeks of vacation every year to walk the Caminos, and always for different reasons.

As you said, your private home, so yes, put in the work, and be clear about your agenda when you ask for contributions. Then people can make enlightened decisions. Mind you, with this time of response I can't see people lining up to help you build your business. I think the more you berate your target audience, they few visitors, and workers, you are likely to have. Again, marketing, marketing, marketing.
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
Someone certainly got off on the wrong side of the bed this week. Why so defensive? Keep in mind that you are asking for money, free workers, and pilgrims to build you private home. And keep in mind that to get that marketing is key. So if the target demographic tells you they don't find it, it doesn't matter how much you huff and puff, your target demographic can't find it. Do you want the donations, workers and clients?

Taking your points, one by one: a) Brierly guide: not mentioned in the elevation map, mentioned on the road map, but only as a yellow dot, except for Esquirotz that gets an extra F for fountain. Page 80 in my edition only reads "From the medieval bridge Puente de la Rabia continue up a concrete path and continue over a stream to climb above the bleak Magnesitas industrial complex and through the hamlets of Osteriz, Illarratz and Esquirroz (F) and covered rest area and along the Agra valley to: '.... and then a number of places are described in detail. 2) Pili Pala Press: "As the factory buildings end, turn right to walk down a flight of steps. Keep straight at a junction, cross a small stream and continue a path paved with flat stones uphill towards the village of Illaratz, which you'll reach in a km. Follow the minor roads to the hamlet of Esquirtoz 1 km away, which has a fountain. On the other side of Esquirtoz ...." . 3) The Eroski site: "Km 2,9. Ilarratz - Ochocientos metros entramos en Eskirotz. Km 3,7. Eskirotz - A escasos dos kilómetros se encuentra Larrasoaña. Pueblo señero de la ruta jacobea, vertebrado por la calle San Nicolás, que debe su origen a la fundación de un monasterio en el siglo X. So while there is a mention of these hamlets, please be so kind as to forgive the poor pilgrim who can only register so much and might remember places with cafes and algergues more than a hamlet you walk through after walking through a horrible factory (which non of us will forget I'm sure, but not in a good way).


There is also a difference between asking a question and questioning. But the more I read the more I question. When I asked in my response to your post if you were a church, group of volonteres, " friends of " I was simply asking a question, because your post did not have a preamble, an introduction. There was no jugement. But to understand better we just had to go to your website where you asked for money, a website that gave an address not on the Camino, as you explain now so well. You now tell us "If you haven't already grasped this, it is to be our family home", well clearly your target audience did not get this in your first post. On purpose? And I am not the one asking for money, or free labour. (I fundraise for a living, so perhaps I have less tolerance for people who ask for money without fully disclosing. They they create mistrust in the public, and rightly so, and then reputable, responsible charities suffer, but that is a whole other topic). Who am I? A 40 something woman who takes off 3 weeks of vacation every year to walk the Caminos, and always for different reasons.

As you said, your private home, so yes, put in the work, and be clear about your agenda when you ask for contributions. Then people can make enlightened decisions. Mind you, with this time of response I can't see people lining up to help you build your business. I think the more you berate your target audience, they few visitors, and workers, you are likely to have. Again, marketing, marketing, marketing.

I'm afraid I didn't make it past reading the first few lines of your tome… it's obvious you have a lot of time on your hands.

If you know where the place is, I cannot understand why you keep labouring the point? An argumentative nature perhaps? A spiky persona? Our postal code, our property's name and the two villages it's associated with are all clues to it's location even for the geographically challenged. The house at the abbey is our to be our home. We are funding it's repair. The church is the church - and it is the church that is falling down - that's why it was abandoned. When the church is safe and saved it will be used as a pilgrim facility. Catherine works as a school teacher. I am disabled. I have a severe spinal injury and am a chronic pain sufferer. Working as hard as we do is not easy. There have been many a night I have been in tears because I'm unable to control the pain I'm in - because of the work I do. We took our life savings to buy the property. And it's with Cath's tiny income that we are trying to save the church.

Your inessential nitpicking is something I don't have time for - especially given the demands on my time both with working at the abbey and answering emails, updating our page etc.
We don't know you from a bar of soap and it shouldn't be necessary to disclose all of our personal information to you who are a stranger.

It's interesting to see just how many people have welcomed and supported our efforts in trying to save this magnificent old building - thousands of people. But just one or two people aren't happy about what we're doing. I think that the pilgrims that we've given lifts to for free (because they were injured or just too tired) or the pilgrims that we've housed in our apartment in Pamplona (for free) or those that we've administered first aid to (using our own supplies) or the pilgrims we've taken shopping to find essential items for their trip (without charge) and all the very many others we've assisted would all support us in saying that you come across as a fussy inquisitor. Therefore this will be my last reply to you.

Buen Camino Anemone.
 
I'm afraid I didn't make it past reading the first few lines of your tome… it's obvious you have a lot of time on your hands. Buen Camino Anemone.
You're right, I do have a lot of time on my hands. The leave without pay I have take to sit by my dying 87 year old father's bedside in hospital, day in, day out. He will not be resroring anything in his future.
 
You're right, I do have a lot of time on my hands. The leave without pay I have take to sit by my dying 87 year old father's bedside in hospital, day in, day out. He will not be resroring anything in his future.

You've disparaged our good name, questioned our integrity and insulted all that we're trying to do - do you think your personal circumstances gives you carte blanch to wield your poison pen Anemone?
That said, may your fathers final Camino be a peaceful one. Our thoughts are with you.
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
I stopped to visit Neill and Catherine in Ilarratz today. They have taken on an ambitious project. It is a lovely building with lots of twists and turns about it povenance. The interior of the chapel is a wonderful space. I realized as I drove up to the building from the N 135 I have walked past the property twice and had stopped to look at the small cemetery, I always assumed it was just a local church that had fallen into neglect. Well neglect is definitely what they are going to have to try to erase. If you have walked this part of the Camino, you will remember as you come down the hill from Zubiri towards Larrasoana, there is a fork in the road with a sign pointing towards Larrasoana, 2.2 km! That is the longest 2.2k on the Camino, might I suggest it is more like 4k:eek:? Their project is less than 300m before that turn.
 

Most read last week in this forum

caitlinelena submitted a new resource: Pilgrim Heart Retreat: Preparing the Journey Home - One day retreat on Thursdays in Lires, near Fisterra and Muxia, May 9-Nov 14 Read more about this...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top