Nestled along the Cardener River in Catalonia, Manresa is a city that resonates with profound spiritual and historical significance. Known as the place where Saint Ignatius of Loyola experienced his transformative retreat in 1522, the city has become a focal point for spiritual seekers.
It is here that Ignatius began formulating the Spiritual Exercises, a cornerstone of his legacy, and where the Camino Ignaciano, a pilgrimage route retracing his journey, culminates. Together, these elements form a tapestry of introspection, resilience, and faith, making Manresa a key destination for pilgrims worldwide.

The Cave of Saint Ignatius: A Place of Reflection
The Cova de Sant Ignasi (Cave of Saint Ignatius) is the most revered site in Manresa, marking the spot where Ignatius spent nearly a year in prayer and contemplation. Following his dramatic conversion in 1521 after a battle injury, the Basque nobleman renounced his former life and began a spiritual quest. He arrived in Manresa in 1522, intending to stay only briefly before traveling to Jerusalem. However, he ended up remaining for 11 months in what became a profound period of self-discovery.
The cave, located on a hillside overlooking the city, served as Ignatius’s retreat. It was in this humble setting that he developed the foundational ideas of the Spiritual Exercises, a guide for deepening one’s relationship with the divine through prayer, meditation, and discernment. Over the centuries, the site has evolved into a baroque sanctuary, blending simplicity with grandeur. Today, it is a place of pilgrimage and reflection, attracting visitors who seek to connect with the transformative power of Ignatius’s experiences.
The Spiritual Exercises: A Legacy of Interior Pilgrimage
The Spiritual Exercises, created during Ignatius’s time in Manresa, are a structured method of prayer and reflection designed to help individuals discern their purpose and align their lives with their values. Rooted in Ignatius’s personal experiences, the exercises encourage self-examination, contemplation of scripture, and a focus on active engagement with the world.
Comprising four thematic “weeks,” the exercises guide participants through a spiritual journey: from self-awareness and recognition of personal flaws to a deeper understanding of one’s role in the world. Though originally intended for a 30-day retreat, they are often adapted into shorter formats. Their universal themes of transformation and commitment have made them a timeless tool for spiritual growth, appealing to people of all faiths and philosophies.
Ignatius’s retreat in Manresa thus became the birthplace of a spiritual methodology that has influenced countless individuals, from Jesuits to laypeople, and continues to inspire reflection and action in modern times.
The Camino Ignaciano: A Pilgrimage of Renewal
For those wishing to walk in Ignatius’s footsteps, the Camino Ignaciano offers a physical and spiritual journey across northern Spain. This route retraces Ignatius’s 1522 pilgrimage from his hometown of Loyola, in the Basque Country, to Manresa. Spanning approximately 650 kilometers (403 miles), the Camino Ignaciano traverses diverse landscapes, from the green valleys of Euskadi to the arid plains of Aragon and the rolling hills of Catalonia.
The pilgrimage is divided into 27 stages and follows the rhythm of the Spiritual Exercises, inviting participants to reflect on key themes from Ignatius’s journey. Marked by orange arrows that symbolize the flame of inspiration, the route offers moments of solitude, community, and personal growth. Unlike the Camino de Santiago, which is steeped in medieval traditions, the Camino Ignaciano is a contemporary initiative, designed to connect modern pilgrims with Ignatius’s transformative path.
Manresa: The Pilgrimage’s Culmination
Arriving in Manresa, pilgrims encounter a city deeply intertwined with Ignatius’s legacy. Beyond the cave, other landmarks celebrate this heritage, including the Basilica of Santa Maria de la Seu, a Gothic masterpiece overlooking the city, and the Pont Vell, an ancient bridge Ignatius likely crossed upon his arrival. The Espai Manresa 1522, an interpretive center, provides historical context and guides visitors through the pivotal moments of Ignatius’s time in the city.
Manresa also offers opportunities for introspection outside its spiritual sites. The city’s natural surroundings, such as the Sèquia de Manresa (a medieval canal system) and the Montserrat Mountains nearby, invite quiet reflection in harmony with the landscape. These elements combine to create a rich, multifaceted pilgrimage experience.
The Enduring Legacy of Ignatius
Manresa’s significance as the cradle of the Jesuit order and Ignatian spirituality cannot be overstated. Ignatius’s experiences here shaped his vision for the Society of Jesus, an organization dedicated to education, social justice, and spiritual growth. The Camino Ignaciano, the cave, and the Spiritual Exercises remain integral to this legacy, offering pathways for personal transformation that resonate far beyond the boundaries of religion.
For modern pilgrims, walking the Camino Ignaciano or visiting the cave is an invitation to embark on an interior journey as much as a physical one. It is a chance to pause, reflect, and realign one’s life, just as Ignatius did in Manresa five centuries ago. Whether seeking inspiration, renewal, or connection with a storied past, visitors to this remarkable city discover that the lessons of Ignatius’s retreat are as relevant today as they were in the 16th century.