Two smiling suns on the sides of a blue band, in an elegant coat of arms, can be identified as the "bishop's symbol" that founded the University of Sancti Spiritus, although their profound meaning is not widely known. The imagery of the impressive Renaissance building is also complex, composed of a labyrinth of heroes, saints, monsters, and grotesques reflecting the humanistic ideal of education.
These reliefs are formed by 33 saints and virtues that praise the strength and merit of women. The two suns on the coat of arms hold philosophical secrets about knowledge, and the "mother academy" of Oñati reflects the pursuit of knowledge.
How is it that this exceptional treasure, which should be public heritage of humanity, has not been brought to light?
During research trips to academic cultural institutions, it has been noted that the legacy of the University of Sancti Spiritus should be public heritage, but our major institutions overlook it without recognizing its value, experts need to return to work, and we in Oñati have forgotten it.
The commendable model of Alcalá de Henares is recalled, where in the 19th century, after the university was closed and its buildings auctioned, citizens formed the Sociedad de Condueños and saved the historic college, preserving the revitalized university that thousands of visitors admire today.
Will we let the historical alma mater of the Basques and the symbol and pride of Oñati be lost? To address this question, an event has been organized for June 24th, at seven in the evening, at the Oñati Cultural Center, to recover and socialize the university's legacy, meaning, and value.
Interested individuals, the curious, or those who wish to uncover the secret of the two suns are invited to the event.
