The Cave of Saint Ignatius
The Cave of Saint Ignatius is a religious architectural complex where Saint Ignatius of Loyola secluded himself to carry out prayer and penitential exercises during his stay in Manresa between the years 1522 and 1523.
Over the years, the complex has undergone several expansions, the most recent being the House of Spiritual Exercises attached to the church. Due to the religious and historical significance of the site, it is likely that both the subsoil and the surrounding area contain material remains or a possible necropolis.
Typology/Elements
The Cave of Saint Ignatius is an architectural complex that includes a Baroque church and a modern and massive Neoclassical building beside it. Together with the Romanesque Old Bridge (Pont Vell) and the Gothic silhouette of the Seu, it forms one of the iconic images at the entrance to the city of Manresa.
Built on the hill of Saint Bartholomew in one of the caves formed by the erosion of the Cardener river waters, where according to tradition Saint Ignatius of Loyola secluded himself to pray and do penance during his stay in the city from March 25, 1522, to early February 1523, and where he wrote the essential parts of the Spiritual Exercises. This is depicted in an alabaster altarpiece by Joan Grau (17th century), preserved in the small cave, which shows the figure of the Saint writing the Spiritual Exercises in Manresa.
State of conservation
- Exterior: Good
- Interior: Good
