Oñati’s number-one attraction is the Renaissance treasure of the Universidad de Sancti Spiritus. Built in the 16th century, it was the first university in the Basque Country and, until its closure in 1902, alumni here were schooled in philosophy, law and medicine. The Mudéjar courtyard is worth a look.
Today it’s been taken over as local council offices, but you can still enter the Mudéjar courtyard and admire its plateresque facade. The tourist office can organise guided tours (from €10) with 24 hours’ notice. Although it’s something of a hassle organising this in advance, it’s well worth doing as you get a much more in-depth look at the building (as well as other sites throughout the town).
