Our Lady of Begoña, affectionately known as “Amatxu” in Basque, is the patron saint of Bilbao and the province of Vizcaya. Her Marian devotion has deep historical and cultural roots that have made her a symbol of identity and faith for the people of Bilbao.

Devotion to the Virgin of Begoña dates back to the 14th century. According to tradition, in 1372, the Virgin Mary appeared on Artagán Hill, in present-day Bilbao, fostering a devotion that has endured throughout the centuries. The original image, a Romanesque-Gothic carving from the 13th and 14th centuries, was placed in a small chapel that eventually became the current sanctuary.

Construction of the current basilica began in the early 16th century on the site of the Virgin Mary’s apparition. Its construction was promoted by the town’s inhabitants, especially merchants, due to the growing parishioners. The church is in late Gothic style, with Renaissance influences, and was designed by the architect Sancho Martínez de Arego.

In 1908, the church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica, attached to St. John Lateran, one of the four major basilicas located in Rome. As with all Catholic basilicas, a plenary indulgence can be obtained there.

The Virgin of Begoña is considered the spiritual mother of the people of Bilbao. Her image, located in the basilica, is an object of veneration and respect. Every October 11th, her feast day, various religious and cultural activities are held in her honor. One of the most notable events is the Nautical Procession of the Amatxu de Begoña Peregrina, held on August 14th, where decorated boats transport the image of the Virgin from Santurce to Bilbao.

The basilica is not only a center of worship but also an important cultural heritage site. Recently, excavations in the area have revealed significant remains such as human bones, clay deposits, combustion structures, and fragments of fired pottery. This work seeks to confirm or refute historical hypotheses about Bizkaia during the Iron Age and Romanization.

Our Lady of Begoña is much more than a religious figure; she is a symbol of the identity and faith of the people of Bilbao. Her history, her basilica, and the traditions surrounding it enrich Bilbao’s cultural heritage and continue to serve as a spiritual reference for present and future generations.