The Basilica of the Magdalena was originally built as a place of rest for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. One of the functions of the basilica, like many in Gipuzkoa, was to be a hospital. Especially in the Middle Ages, it was of great importance, as it was a refuge for those suffering from the disease known as San Lazaro (leprosy).
It is located in the middle of the 16th century. It was built on the land of the town council, far from the town walls, in a neighborhood that led to the port of Pasaia. However, as the town grew, it became part of the urban area. At the beginning of the 17th century, it ceased to be a hospital and a shelter for the poor and began a continuous decline. It took on its current appearance in 1886 and has not undergone significant changes for 120 years. From the 20th century, renovations were carried out because it was very dilapidated.
Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago did not only go there to be cured. As can be seen in various documents, in addition to these, lepers from the local and surrounding towns also visited, as well as those from Navarre. According to tradition, the sick had to enter the basilica-hospital through one door and leave through another when they were finished. In later times, children with mouth disease or aphtha were brought by their mothers. Not only for healing, but also many citizens went to the “saint” to make all kinds of requests. As a result, candles were always lit.
In the Middle Ages, the Way of St. James was one of the most important pilgrimages, along with Rome and Jerusalem. The Magdalene was credited with the power of healing, since the woman’s first intention after the death of Jesus was to comfort the body that had been punished in this way and to relieve its pain. These intentions led Christianity to make the Galilean Magdalene the first witness of the supreme event. The resurrected Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first and she told the apostles that Jesus’ adventure was not over, that death had not silenced the voice of the crucified prophet.
