The University of Oñate was founded in 1540 by Bishop Rodrigo Mercado de Zuazola, one of the most important Spanish humanists of the 16th century. It is the oldest university in the Basque Country.
The University of Sancti Spiritus is undoubtedly Oñate's most famous landmark. It is considered one of the most important Renaissance civil buildings in the Basque Country.
The building has a quadrangular floor plan and is arranged around a two-story courtyard, with the upper floor surrounded by a balustrade. The cloister consists of rounded arches on both floors, supported by cylindrical columns with Ionic capitals and coffered ceilings in the Mudéjar style.
It is advisable to book a guided tour at the nearby Tourist Office. It costs 6 euros per person and includes a tour of the university and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel, Oñate's most important religious monument.