Santiago Chapel and the Zuloaga Museum

The old Santiago Chapel was acquired by the painter Ignacio Zuloaga at the beginning of the last century and was used to house his studio and private art collection. The building was reconstructed by the painter himself, although parts of what was once the hospice and oratory for travellers waiting for the passenger boat to take them to the far shore of Urola Bay still remain. Inside the chapel, Zuloaga hung a Christ statue by his friend, the sculptor Julio Beobide, over the high altar, and a picture of Our Lady of Sorrows on one of the side walls. Opposite this is a 15th century painted altarpiece featuring scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.

The museum is divided into two parts: one dedicated to the work of Zuloaga himself, and the other to the works of art that made up his private collection. This collection contains a number of gothic paintings, as well as works by El Greco, Zurbarán, the Goya school, Vicente López and Gutiérrez Solana, among others. It also contains two sculptures by Rodin, as well as many other items, including examples of Greek pottery. The painter’s house was designed by the Vizcaya architect Pedro Guimón, and is built in the local style typical of the beginning of the last century, although it also includes ceramic elements which serve to emphasise its eclecticism.