The church of Our Lady of the Pillar in Canfranc Station is an unusual building designed by the renowned architect Miguel Fisac in 1965. It is a valuable example of Modernism, an architectural movement based on rational and functional criteria. Fisac used to spend his summers in Canfranc and had an intimate knowledge of the valley. These factors undoubtedly influenced the design of the church.

The building is a combination of tradition and modernity in an effort by the architect to integrate it into the formidable natural landscape and surroundings. The use of stone walls aids this integration, while the aluminium of its steep one-sided roof (typical of Fisac’s designs), is like a piece of glass that mirrors the changes in the Pyrenean sky.

The temple, built on a single level, is fan-shaped and the façade forms sinuous curves symbolizing the scallop shell carried by pilgrims. Canfranc is one of the principal milestones on the Aragonese section of the Santiago Pilgrimage Route.

The interior is purposely austere. Natural light is the only element that decorates the thick stone walls. The rays of light fall directly on the altar which is slightly displaced and set diagonally to increase the sense of depth. The only piece that decorates this space is the magnificent Christ on the Cross from the church of St Michael in Tiermas, a village in the Canal de Berdun area which is now abandoned. Fisac also designed the altar table, the baptismal font, the base of the sagrarium and other pieces of furniture.