Santo san sebastian biografia: Сан-Себастьян

Clava – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Heracles luchando con una clava contra la Hidra de Lerna.

Duelo con clavas y escudos en un capitel del claustro de Monreale.

Una clava es una maza, porra o garrote, de tamaño corto a mediano, usualmente de madera, que va aumentando de diámetro desde su empuñadura a su extremo y que desde la remota antigüedad se utilizaba como arma de cuerpo a cuerpo o de contacto.

Para aumentar su efectividad, se podían colocar en la zona extrema piezas de sílex, hueso o metal.

Índice

• 1 Atributos
• 2 Origen
• 3 Tipos
• 4 Referencias
• 5 Enlaces externos

La clava, junto a la piel de león, son los atributos de Heracles (o Hércules), en las artes plásticas occidentales.

En el budismo, es el arma de los Dvarapalas.

La clava o maza puede ser una de las armas más antiguas utilizadas por el hombre y originalmente probablemente consistía en una rama o raíz de madera engrosada naturalmente; los fémures de animales también son adecuados. Todos los tipos aumentaban la potencia del brazo y proporcionaban cierta distancia al oponente. Posteriormente, se unieron piedras a palos con fibras vegetales; aún más tarde, se perforaron agujeros en las piedras a través de los cuales se clavaba una rama (pulida). En el sentido del palo, que se usa para golpear, el uso de garrotes también se puede comprobar en los chimpancés.

El dispositivo con mango y engrosamiento es ideal para balancear, tanto para golpear como para lanzar e implementa un principio que se implementa en las herramientas basadas en palos como el martillo y el hacha , así como en todas las herramientas con mango optimizado para balanceo y cabeza. Técnicamente, la maza es una máquina simple.

Cabeza de garrote perforada (tercer milenio a. C.)

Los primeros garrotes asegurados datan del Mesolítico. Se trata de cabezas de piedra perforadas redondas, esféricas, en forma de disco o rectangulares planas. Las cabezas redondas de maza de piedra son las sucesoras de las mazas de madera y aparecen como mazas de canto rodado. La perforación se realizaba mediante picado en forma de embudo o perforación completa; desde el Neolítico también como perforación hueca. En la cultura Maglemose había un tipo que probablemente evolucionó del hacha de rodillos. Estos palos tienen una espiga plana, a menudo con un agujero o muesca para atar. El extremo romo del cuello del hacha de rodillos, engrosado y enfatizado, forma la superficie de impacto. En Francia, se fabricaba una cabeza de palo de pedernal con Campignia encontrada, que aparentemente es una imitación de una herramienta de roca. Una característica es que muchos se hicieron a partir de tipos de rocas visualmente llamativos, generalmente erracias glaciales. Se han definido varios tipos, principalmente por Fiona Roe, quien propuso una tipología británica en 1979 que desde entonces ha sido descartada. Menos comunes son las mazas de asta con todos los postes quitados. Una maza de madera fue encontrada en Kalambofalls (Zambia), cuya edad es de unos 200.000 años. La clava probablemente se usó para matar animales. ^[1]​ El rey egipcio Narmer, el unificador del Alto y el Bajo Egipto, se estableció alrededor del año 3000 a. C. en la famosa paleta de piedra que lo representa con una maza. También es uno de los atributos del dios hindú Vishnu.

En la mitología griega, los centauros y los silenos llevaban garrotes, que utilizaban para luchar contra bestias feroces.^[2]​

Un garrote de guerra Yuma

Replica de la paleta de Narmer (dinastía Ira) enarbolando una maza, Museo real de Ontario.

Heracles coronado con una corona de laurel, llevando la piel del león y con una maza y un arco, detalle de una escena representando una reunión de los Argonautas. Lateral de una vaso procedente del Ática, ca. 460–450 AC.

Un conjunto variado de garrotes shillelagh.

Una maza de un guerrero de Fiyi, Museo del metodismo en Londres.

Una totokia de Fiji. Museo de Bedford.

Un par de tonfas.

varios tipos de porras (blackjack) de policía del Reino Unido. Museo de Bedford.

Aunque quizás sea la más simple de todas las armas, los garrotes vienen en muchas variedades, incluyendo:

• Aclis – un garrote con una correa de cuero integrada, que se utiliza para devolverlo a la mano después de golpearlo contra un oponente. Utilizado por las legiones del Imperio Romano.
• Palo de bola – Estos palos eran utilizados por los nativos americanos. Hay dos tipos; los palos de bola de piedra que fueron utilizados sobre todo por los primeros indios de las llanuras, la meseta y el suroeste, y los palos de bola de madera que utilizaban las tribus hurón e iroquesa. Estos palos consistían en una cabeza, relativamente libre, de piedra o madera redondeada, unida a un mango de madera.
• Gun – Tipo de arma militar china utilizada en la época medieval. También se utiliza en el moderno espectáculo de Wushu y en la práctica de artes marciales.
• Bates de béisbol, cricket y T-ball – El bate de béisbol se utiliza a menudo como arma improvisada, de forma parecida al mango de pico. En los países en los que no se juega habitualmente al béisbol, los bates de béisbol suelen considerarse primero como armas. Los bates de Tee ball también se utilizan de esta manera. Su menor tamaño y peso hacen que el bate sea más fácil de manejar en una mano que un bate de béisbol. Los bates de críquet son más pesados y su forma plana y mango corto los hacen poco manejables como armas, pero en algunos países son más comunes que los bates de béisbol.
• Porra o cachiporra” – formas utilizadas por las fuerzas del orden.
• Blackjack o cosh” – un palo con un peso adosado a su extremo diseñado para aturdir al sujeto, usado por las fuerzas del orden.
• ‘Bian – un garrote tuberculoso utilizado por la infantería y los generales chinos medievales.
• Clava (nombre completo clava mere okewa) – un palo de mano de piedra tradicional utilizado por los indios mapuches en Chile, con un cuerpo largo y plano. En español, se conoce como clava cefalomorfa. Tiene cierta importancia ritual como signo especial de distinción que lleva el jefe de la tribu.^[3]​
• Garrote – Bastón robusto que llevaban los campesinos durante la Edad Media. Funcionaba como bastón y como arma tanto para la autodefensa como para la guerra. Los garroteros se rebelaron en varias localidades contra los excesos de los soldados de ambos bandos durante la Guerra Civil Inglesa. Durante el siglo XVIII la lucha de singlestick (un deporte de entrenamiento para el uso de la backsword de una sola mano) se llamaba singlesticking, o cudgel-play.^[4]​
• Palanqueta – una herramienta comúnmente utilizada como arma improvisada, aunque algunos ejemplos son demasiado grandes para ser blandidos con una sola mano, y por lo tanto deben ser clasificados como staves.
• Linterna – Una linterna de metal alargada grande, puede ser un garrote improvisado muy eficaz. Aunque no está clasificada específicamente como un arma, los guardias de seguridad, los porteros y los civiles suelen llevarla para defenderse, especialmente en los países en los que está restringido llevar armas.
• Gata – un garrote de guerra fiyiano
• Garrote tipo culata de rifle – un garrote de guerra estilizado como la culata de un rifle
• Jiǎn – un tipo de garrote recto de cuatro filos diseñado específicamente para romper otras armas con bordes afilados.
• Jutte o jitte’ – un arma distintiva de la policía samurái que consistía en una barra de hierro con un gancho. Podía parar y desarmar a un asaltante con espada sin causarle heridas graves. Con el tiempo, la jutte también llegó a considerarse un símbolo de estatus oficial.^[5]​
• Kanabō (nyoibo, konsaibo, tetsubō, ararebo) – Varios tipos de palos japoneses de diferentes tamaños hechos de madera y/o hierro, normalmente con púas o tacos de hierro. Utilizados por primera vez por los Samurai.^[6]​Guía de Pauley – Un diccionario de las artes marciales y la cultura japonesa – Página 90 Daniel C. Pauley – 2009</ref>^[7]​^[8]​
• Palos de guerra Kanak – armas tradicionales de Nueva Caledonia
• Kiyoga – un bastón con resorte similar al bastón policial plegable Asp, pero con la sección central hecha de un resorte de acero de alta resistencia. La punta y la primera sección se deslizan en el muelle, y el conjunto se anida en un mango de siete pulgadas. Para desplegar el kiyoga, basta con agarrar el mango y balancearse. Esto hace que las partes se extiendan desde el mango hasta formar un bastón de diecisiete pulgadas de largo. El kiyoga tiene una ventaja sobre un bastón plegable convencional: puede alcanzar alrededor de un brazo levantado que intenta bloquearlo para golpear la cabeza.^[9]​^[10]​
• Knobkierrie: palo de guerra del sur y el este de África con un distintivo pomo pesado en el extremo.
• Kubotan – un garrote corto, delgado y ligero utilizado a menudo por los agentes de la ley, generalmente para aplicar presión contra puntos seleccionados del cuerpo con el fin de fomentar la conformidad sin infligir lesiones.
• Leangle – un garrote de lucha de los aborígenes australianos con una cabeza de golpeo en forma de gancho, normalmente casi en ángulo recto con el mango del arma. El nombre proviene de lenguas kulin como Wemba-Wemba y Woiwurrung, basado en la palabra lia (diente).^[11]​
• Salvavidas – un palo corto, a menudo con peso, destinado a la defensa personal. Se menciona en la obra de Gilbert y Sullivan Los piratas de Penzance y en varias historias de Sherlock Holmes.^[12]​
• Lil Lil – Un garrote aborigen con una aerodinámica similar a la de un bumerán. Se puede lanzar o sostener en la mano.
• Maza – un palo de metal con una cabeza pesada en el extremo, diseñado para dar golpes muy potentes. La cabeza de una maza también puede tener pequeños clavos forjados. La maza se confunde a menudo con la estrella de la mañana y el golpe articulado.
• ‘Mere – garrote corto y de hoja ancha de los Māori, generalmente hecho de jade de nefrita y utilizado para dar golpes de frente.
• ‘Estrella de la mañana – arma medieval en forma de garrote que consiste en un asta con una bola adjunta adornada con uno o más pinchos
• Nulla-nulla – un palo corto y curvado de madera dura, utilizado como arma de caza y en peleas tribales por los aborígenes de Australia.
• Nunchaku (también llamado nunchakus) – arma asiática que consiste en dos palos, conectados por una cuerda corta, un cordón o una cadena, y que suele utilizarse con un palo en la mano y el otro balanceado como golpe.
• Oslop – un garrote ruso a dos manos, muy pesado, a menudo con mango de hierro, que se utilizaba como el arma de infantería más barata y disponible.
• Garrote de pala – común en las Islas Salomón, estos garrotes podían utilizarse en la guerra o para propulsar una pequeña canoa.
• ‘Mango de pico – el mango (normalmente de madera) de un pico utilizado como garrote
• ‘Rungu (Swahili, plural marungu): garrote o bastón de madera con un simbolismo y un significado especiales en algunas culturas tribales de África Oriental. Se asocia especialmente con el pueblo maasai morans (guerreros masculinos) que lo han utilizado tradicionalmente en la guerra y en la caza.
• ‘Sali, un garrote de guerra fiyiano
• Barra Sally – un palo de madera largo y delgado, generalmente hecho de sauce (salix), una madera un poco flxible y utilizado principalmente en el pasado en Irlanda como instrumento disciplinario, pero también utilizado a veces como un garrote (sin la técnica de esgrima de la lucha con palos) en peleas y riñas). En Japón este tipo de palo se llama Hanbō que significa medio palo, y en las FMA (artes marciales filipinas) se llama palo eskrima o escrima, a menudo hecho de ratán.
• Shillelagh – un palo o garrote de madera, típicamente hecho de un palo nudoso y robusto con un gran pomo en el extremo, que se asocia con Irlanda en el folclore
• Slapjack – una variación de la blackjack que consiste en una correa más larga que permite usarla como un flail, y puede usarse como garrote o para técnicas de captura como se ve en el uso de nunchaku y otras armas flexibles
• ‘Supi – un garrote de guerra de las Islas Salomón
• Bastón telescópico – bastón rígido capaz de reducirse a una longitud menor para ser más fácil de transportar y ocultar.
• Tipstaff – bastón ceremonial utilizado por un funcionario judicial del mismo nombre
• Tonfa o bastón de mango lateral: bastón de origen okinawense con un segundo mango montado perpendicularmente al asta, adoptado por las fuerzas del orden
• Totokia – un palo con púas de Fiyi^[13]​
• ‘Garrote de asalto a la trinchera: un tipo de arma cuerpo a cuerpo utilizada por ambos bandos en la Primera Guerra Mundial
• Ula – garrote tradicional de Fiji
• U’u – garrote ceremonial exquisitamente tallado de las Islas Marquesas, utilizado como símbolo de estatus principal
• Waddy – un pesado garrote de madera dura, utilizado como arma para la caza y en las luchas tribales, y también como herramienta, por los aborígenes de Australia. La palabra waddy describe un garrote de Nueva Gales del Sur, pero los australianos también lo utilizan en general para incluir otros garrotes aborígenes, como el nulla nulla y el leangle.

Referencias[editar]

1. ↑ Emil Hoffmann: Lexikon der Steinzeit. Beck’sche Reihe, Band 1325. Beck Verlag, München 1999, ISBN 3-406-42125-3. S. 203
2. ↑ Stoczkowski, Wiktor (2001). Anthropologie naïve, anthropologie savante : de l’origine de l’homme, de l’imagination et des idées reçues (Antropología ingenua, antropología culta: Del origen del hombre, de la imaginación y de las ideas aceptadas acríticamente) (en francés). Paris: CNRS Éditions. ISBN 978-2-271-07855-1. 
3. ↑ Imagen de clava cefalomorfa Archivado el 5 de octubre de 2015 en Wayback Machine. Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino
4. ↑  Varios autores (1910-1911). «Encyclopædia Britannica». En Chisholm, Hugh, ed. Encyclopædia Britannica. A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature, and General information (en inglés) (11.ª edición). Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.; actualmente en dominio público. 
5. ↑ «Jutte». E-budokai. com. Consultado el 26 de diciembre de 2008. 
6. ↑ Diccionario Tuttle de las artes marciales de Corea, China y Japón – Página 168 Daniel Kogan, Sun-Jin Kim – 1996
7. ↑ Armamento clásico de Japón: armas especiales y tácticas del … – Página 91 Serge Mol – 2003
8. ↑ Secretos de los samuráis: un estudio de las artes marciales del Japón feudal Por Oscar Ratti, Adele Westbrook p.305
9. ↑ «Armas de Artes Marciales de Bastón de Primavera | AWMA». Archivado desde el original el 11 de febrero de 2017. Consultado el 8 de febrero de 2017. . Recuperado el 7 de febrero de 2017.
10. ↑ Francis, Dick. Straight (Nueva York: G.P Putnam’s Sons), 1989, páginas 99 – 100 y 309.
11. ↑ «leangle – Definición de leangle en inglés por Oxford Dictionaries». Oxford Dictionaries – English. Archivado desde el original el 23 de agosto de 2017. 
12. ↑ «Notas sobre la historia de Sherlock Holmes Los planes de Bruce Partington». Sherlockholmes.stanford.edu. 12 de diciembre de 1908. Archivado desde el original el 26 de diciembre de 2011. Consultado el 17 de diciembre de 2011. 
13. ↑ Eric Kjellgren, How to Read Oceanic Art] (Metropolitan Museum of Art/Yale University Press, 2014), p. 153.

Enlaces externos[editar]

• Bastum (bâton). (en francés). Consultado el 20 de diciembre de 2012.

Narbona – Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Narbona^[a]​ (en francés Narbonne) es una comuna y ciudad francesa del departamento de Aude, en la región de Occitania, al sur del país. Su gentilicio es narbonense. La comuna es atravesada por el canal de la Robine, declarado patrimonio de la humanidad por la Unesco. Es la ciudad más poblada del departamento de Aude, con 52 489 habitantes, y la villa central de una comunidad de 121 863 habitantes, la Gran Narbona.

Índice

• 1 Historia
• 2 Demografía
• 3 Administración
• 4 Monumentos y lugares turísticos
• 5 Ciudades hermanadas
• 6 Personas notables
• 7 Véase también
• 8 Notas
• 9 Referencias
• 10 Bibliografía
• 11 Enlaces externos

Los romanos fundaron en 118 a. C. una colonia romana llamada colonia Narbo Martius. Estaba situada en la vía Domitia, el primer camino romano en la Galia, que permitía enlazar la península itálica e Hispania.

Horreum-Narbonne, o almacén subterráneo romano

Narbona era la capital de la Narbonense, provincia romana creada en la misma época. Fue hasta el fin del Imperio romano de Occidente una de las ciudades más importantes de la Galia con una superficie de más de 2 km².

A pesar de haber resistido un asedio visigodo en 436, Narbona fue integrada en 462 en el reino visigodo de Tolosa. Perteneció a dicho reino hasta 719, cuando fue ocupada por los musulmanes que venían de la península ibérica,^[7]​ que permanecerían hasta el 759. Dicho año la población local aniquiló a la guarnición musulmana y entregó la ciudad a los francos, a cambio de conservar sus leyes consuetudinarias.^[8]​ Después de esta fecha Narbona quedó definitivamente dentro del reino de los francos.

Hasta la Edad Media Narbona era gobernada por dos señoríos: el arzobispado y el vizcondado.

Administración[editar]

Narbona es la capital de tres cantones:

• El cantón de Narbona Este está formado por una parte de Narbona (16 851 habitantes).
• El cantón de Narbona Oeste está formado por una parte de Narbona y de los municipios de Bizanet, Canet, Marcorignan, Montredon-des-Corbières, Moussan, Névian, Raissac-d’Aude y por Villedaigne (21 459 habitantes).
• El cantón de Narbona Sur está formado por una parte de Narbona y por el municipio de Bages (16 043 habitantes)

Monumentos y lugares turísticos[editar]

• La construcción de la catedral de San Justo y San Pastor fue iniciada en 1272 fecha en la que se puso la primera piedra de la catedral. La construcción finalizó en 1355 con la invasión del príncipe Negro. Jamás se terminó su construcción. Sus 41 metros, la convierten en la tercera catedral más alta de Francia solo por detrás de la de Amiens y Bourges. Es de estilo gótico y reemplaza a una iglesia del siglo IV ubicada en el mismo lugar.
• En el centro de la plaza del Ayuntamiento, se puede ver la antigua Vía Domitia en el estado que quedó a final del siglo IV. Es un vestigio de la primera gran ruta romana, trazada en la Galia a partir del 120 a. C. por el procónsul Cneo Domicio Enobarbo, dos años antes de la fundación de la colonia Narbo Martius, primera colonia romana en la Galia. La via Domitia unía la Italia y la España romanas. En Narbona, la Via Domitia se encontraba con la Vía Aquitania, abierta en dirección al Atlántico por Toulouse y Burdeos, prueba del papel de ciudad encrucijada que tenía la ciudad. Los vestigios descubiertos el 7 de febrero de 1997 presentan una parte de la caliza dura con la que estaba hecha, marcada por profundos carriles. La Vía Domitia está bordeada por una acera y en la base hay una fuente.
• El Palacio de los Arzobispos destaca por tener varias torres. El torreón Gilles Aycelin de finales del siglo XIII y principios del siglo XIV y la Torre San Marcial y de la Madeleine del siglo XIII, que incluye el palacio viejo de origen románico y el palacio nuevo de estilo gótico alterado, construido entre los siglos XII y XIII. Desde el siglo XIX acoge al ayuntamiento, el Museo de Arte y el Museo Arqueológico.
• La ciudad también cuenta con el Horreum Romano, el Mercado de moda Baltard, el Mercado Les Halles, el Museo Lapidario y la Casa natal de Charles Trenet.

Ciudades hermanadas[editar]

Narbona están hermanadas con las siguientes ciudades:

• Aosta (Italia)
• Grosseto (Italia)
• Salford (Reino Unido)
• Weilheim de Oberbayern (Alemania)

Personas notables[editar]

Categoría principal: Nacidos en Narbona

Véase también[editar]

• Vizcondes de Narbona

1. ↑ En español y también en occitano.

Referencias[editar]

1. ↑ ^{a b c d} EHESS (ed.). «Narbonne – Notice Communale». Consultado el 24 de noviembre de 2010. 
2. ↑ «Copia archivada». Archivado desde el original el 19 de noviembre de 2010. Consultado el 24 de noviembre de 2010. 
3. ↑ http://www.narbonne. fr/annuaire/elus/liste
4. ↑ INSEE (ed.). «Populations légales en vigueur à compter du 1er janvier 2010». Consultado el 24 de noviembre de 2010. 
5. ↑ Worldpostalcodes.org, código postal n.º 11100.
6. ↑ INSEE, Datos de población para el año 2012 de Narbona (en francés).
7. ↑ Torre, José Ignacio de la (19 de septiembre de 2018). Breve historia de la Reconquista. Nowtilus. ISBN 978-84-9967-966-2. Consultado el 20 de septiembre de 2022. 
8. ↑ Manzano Moreno, 1991, p. 76.

Bibliografía[editar]

• Michel Gayraud Archivado el 18 de julio de 2011 en Wayback Machine., Narbonne antique des origines à la fin du IIIe siècle. Paris, De Boccard, Revue archéologique de Narbonnaise, Supplément 8, 1981, 591 p.
• Histoire de Narbonne (s. dir. de Jacques Michaud et André Cabanis), Toulouse, Privat, 2004, 330 p.
• L’Aude de la préhistoire à nos jours (s. dir. de Jacques Crémadeilis), Saint-Jean-d’Angély, 1989, 430 p.
• Les Audois: dictionnaire biographique (s. dir. de Rémy Cazals et Daniel Fabre), Carcassonne, Association des Amis des Archives de l’Aude, Société d’Études Scientifiques de l’Aude, 1990, 347 p.
• Manzano Moreno, Eduardo (1991). La frontera de al-Andalus en época de los Omeyas. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas. ISBN 9788400071950. 

Enlaces externos[editar]

• Wikimedia Commons alberga una categoría multimedia sobre Narbona.
• Página web de la villa de Narbona
• INSEE
• Le Petit Narbonnais (Wiki Narbona) (en francés)

San Sebastian

Beautiful seaside town and prestigious resort in northern Spain. It is known for hosting international film and jazz festivals, rich architectural heritage and gastronomic delights.

La Concha and Santa Clara Island seen from Mount Igueldo (photo: santiago sanz romero)

San Sebastián or Donostia is the capital of the province of Gipuzkoa, part of the Basque Country . It is built on the southern coast of the Cantabrian Sea, 20 km from the French border.

The main city promenade runs along the banks of the La Concha lagoon, framed by two hills – Urgull and Igueldo. It has everything: perfect beaches, a river, magnificent architecture, museums.

The Urumea River divides the city into two parts. The old city, the central area, but what about the districts of Amara and Ondarreta are located on the left bank. On the right bank are the districts of Aegia and Gros.

The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is the heart of San Sebastian. The narrow streets of Fermin Calveton, San Vicente and San Jeronimo are full of restaurants and bars.

The central area is called El Centro. Get here on the bridges of Santa Catalina or Zuriola.

The shopping center of the city – the Gros area is very beautiful. There are many beautiful houses built in a romantic style; open street cafes. Gros ends at Zurriola beach, popular with surfers.

The Eguia working area is famous for its beautiful Cristina Enea park. Aegia is located behind the Renfe railway station.

Amara area – can be called an ordinary “sleeping” residential area. There are modern houses, shops and sports facilities. Tourists hardly come here. The area is located at the Amara railway station of the Euskotren carrier.

Ondarreta – separated from the center by a beautiful park that houses the Miramar Palace.

The beaches of San Sebastian

There are several excellent beaches on the seashore within the city:

La Concha beach is the most visited, protected from the waves, with an island in the middle and hills along the edges; with golden sand, white yachts on the surface of the bay and an elegant promenade. It stretches from the stone peak of Loro, disappearing under water at high tides, to the fishing port. The length of La Concha is 1350 m. The beach is fully equipped. On the shore there is a hydropathic La Perla. The water is calm here, and even in winter there are people who want to swim.

La Zurriola beach was formerly known as Playa de Grosse. This is a wide beach with a length of 900 m not far from the bay. It is located on the eastern coast of Urumea, close to the sea, so it is open to all winds. There are constant powerful waves, and for swimming La Zurriola is dangerous, but attracts experienced surfers. In 1994, a breakwater was erected for safety, and the beach area was expanded by adding sand. Volleyball courts have been created on the beach, bars and rescue services are working. Playa la Zurriola hosts concerts and festivals.

Ondaretta Beach is located in La Concha bay at the foot of Igueldo. It is separated from Playa Concha by the Pico del Loro rock: for the convenience of vacationers, a tunnel has been cut through it. The length of Ondarretta is 600 m. Here is coarse yellow sand, calm water, informal atmosphere. On the edge of the beach area, on the slope of Igueldo Hill, there is a sculptural composition “Peyne del Viento”.

Climatic features

The weather in the north of Spain differs significantly from the southern regions. Here it rains all year round, more often in autumn. The average annual temperature is +15°C. The best time to relax is from mid-summer to September: the water near the coast warms up to +24.5°C.

If the wind suddenly changes from south to northwest, the temperature drops and clouds gather over the resort. A storm begins – galernas. In October, breaking tidal waves are observed – powerful high Mareas Vivas.

Attractions

Old City Hall of San Sebastian

Council Palace

Victoria-Eugenia Theater

Constitution Square

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro

Church of San Ignacio de Loyola

Church of San Vincente

Fortress of La Mota

Aquarium, oceanographic fly

Museum of San Telmo

Science Museum “Eureka”

Maritime Museum

Museum of Contemporary Art “Tabacalera”

Santa Catalina Bridge

Maria Christina Bridge

Bridge Kursaal

Miramar Palace

Amusement Park “Monte Igueldo”

Aiete Park

Cristina Enea Park

Zurriola beach

La Concha beach

Sculpture Comb of the Winds

Ondarreta beach

Funicular Monte Igueldo

Anoeta Stadium

City Hall

City Hall of San Sebastian

City Hall (Ayuntamiento) of San Sebastian – an elegant palace with turrets in front of Alderde Eder Park. In 1882 it was built for a casino. When the gambling business was closed, the building served as a hospital, a festival hall, and a tourism center. The mayor’s office has occupied the palace since 1947.

Council Palace

Diputacion Palace (photo: Dan)

Palacio de la Diputacion – Palace of the Provincial Council of Guipuzcoa. It is located in the new part of San Sebastian, in Gipuzkoa Square. It is a neoclassical building from 1885 with an arched gallery, a statuary group and the coat of arms of the province on the attic. At the top of the facade, in round niches, there are busts of political figures made by Ignacio Zuloaga.

Victoria Eugenia Theater

Victoria Eugenia Theater (photo: Miguel Cortés)

The Victoria Eugenia Theater is modeled after the Paris Opera. The author of the project is Francisco de Urcola. The cultural center was opened at 1912, refurbished 2001–07 The eclectic building is designed in the style of neoclassicism, neorenaissance, neoplateresque; decorated with luxurious sculptural compositions. Until 1999, it hosted annual Film Festivals. Festivals are held now – in the new Palace of Congresses.

Constitution Square

Constitution Square in San Sebastian

Constitución Square is a square space connected by arches to neighboring streets. A gathering place for tourists, noisy city holidays, gastronomic festivals. Plaza Nueva (old name) was built up in 1723. After the military fire of 1813 and the grand reconstruction, it bears the name Plaza de la Constitución. Here you can see the old town hall, which now houses the library.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Cathedral of San Sebastian (photo: Raúl A. Mazarío)

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is the largest religious building in Guipuzcoa. Its bell tower is visible from anywhere in San Sebastian. In the appearance of the neo-Gothic temple Catedral del Buen Pastor, a resemblance to the Cologne Cathedral is noticeable. The construction of the temple began in 1881, it was consecrated 16 years later. The marble floor and new stained-glass windows appeared after the reconstruction in 1972.

The Diocesan Museum of Santa Maria Nabea (Santa Marta Nabea – Elizbarrutiko Museoa) is open in the cathedral. Open every day from 10:30 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Entrance €5.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro

Basilica of Santa María del Coro (photo: Michel Séguret)

Santa Maria del Coro is a small baroque basilica in the historic centre. The building was built in 1743–74. instead of the old Romanesque sanctuary, destroyed in the 17th century. In the architecture of the temple, elements of neo-Gothic, neoclassicism, and churrigueres can be traced. The main portal is framed by a spectacular exedra with sculptural decor. On the central altar are the images of the Virgin of the Virgen del Coro and Saint Sebastian.

Church of San Ignacio de Loyola

Church of San Ignacio of Loyola

Iglesia San Ignacio is a 19th century church consecrated in honor of Ignatius of Loyola, revered saint born in Gipuzkoa. The neo-gothic cathedral in the heart of Parte Vieja was reconstructed in 1932. After the reconstruction, its bell tower became higher. The best organ in the city plays in the temple of San Ignacio.

Church of San Vincente

Church of San Vicente (photo: Antoine 49)

Church of San Vicente is a late Gothic three-aisled church designed by the architects Juan de Urrutia and Miguel Santa Celai. The bell tower and baptistery were added in the 19th century. Rose windows on the main façade were installed at 1923. The original altar (1586) by Juan de Iriate has been preserved in the interior.

La Mota Fortress

La Mota is a medieval fortress on the top of Monte Urgull, a defensive castle of Castillo de La Mota, founded in the 12th century, repeatedly expanded. At the beginning of the last century, it was decided to set up a park on the city hill, and the ancient walls were demolished. In 1921, work was stopped, the fortress was given the status of a monument. A grandiose statue of the Sacred Heart was erected on the roof of the building. From the walls of the fortress offers a wonderful view of the city and the coast.

Aquarium of San Sebastian

Museum of Oceanography (photo: Ibai Valencia)

The Museum of Oceanography is housed in the Palace of the Sea on the pier. The San Sebastian Aquarium has been operating since 1928. The building has a large swimming pool with an area of ​​480 m² with an underwater tunnel that provides a circular panoramic view. In addition to the main oceanarium, there are themed aquariums and tactile ponds.

Opening hours and ticket prices:

Tickets: adults €13, children (4-12 years old) €6. 5.
Audio guide – €2.

San Telmo Museum

San Telmo City Museum (photo: Heineken Jazzaldia)

The San Telmo Museum is an exhibition complex founded in the 19th century with donations from citizens. From 19For 32 years he occupied the restored building of the Dominican monastery (1562) on the slope of Urgull. A modern pavilion was built next to the neo-Renaissance building. The museum has historical, artistic, archaeological expositions.

Collections of ancient household items, furniture, paintings by famous Spanish masters, magnificent frescoes with subjects of Basque legends are exhibited here. The gallery of the museum exhibits a collection of memorial columns of the Basques of the 15th – 17th centuries.

Opening hours and ticket prices:

Tickets: adult – €6.

Eureka Science Museum

Eureka Museum (photo: Eureka! Zientzia Museoa)

Eureka is an interactive science museum. The Eureka Zientzia Museoa complex has eight thematic exhibitions; there is an exposition for younger schoolchildren, a simulator hall, two planetariums, an observatory. Next to the building is a miniature park.

Eureka Museum opening hours:

Ticket prices for the Eureka Museum:

• Museum: adults €10, children (4-17 years old) €7
• planetarium: adults €3.5, children (0-17 years old) €2.5
• Museum and Planetarium: adults €12, children (4-17 years old) €9.

Maritime Museum

Naval Museum (photo: Untzi Museoa Museo Naval)

Museo Naval has been operating since 1991 in the city’s port. Since 2007, there has been no permanent exhibition here: there are only thematic exhibitions and educational programs dedicated to the maritime history of the Basque Country.

Opening hours and ticket prices:

Tickets: adult – €3.

Tabacalera Museum of Contemporary Art

Tabacalera Museum (photo: TABAKALERA)

Tabacalera is an international museum of contemporary art, opened at the initiative of the authorities in the original industrial building of a tobacco factory. One of the world’s largest collections of contemporary art objects covers an area of ​​13,277 m².

Santa Catalina Bridge

Santa Catalina Bridge (photo: Ian Turk)

The Santa Catalina Bridge leading to the El Centro area is the oldest in the city. The first structure across the Urumea River appeared in 1377. The stone Puente de Santa Catalina, erected in 1872, became the ninth bridge in this place.

Maria Cristina Bridge

María Cristina Bridge (photo: Miguel Cortés)

Maria Cristina Bridge links the city center with Morte Station. The first pedestrian wooden structure that stood here from 1893 years, early 20th century demolished. A new three-span reinforced concrete bridge 80 m long opened in 1905. On both sides of the structure, stone snow-white obelisks were erected with equestrian statues at the top.

Kursaal Bridge

Kursaal Bridge (photo: Oskar)

Kursaal Bridge is an unusual engineering structure on the northern outskirts. It stands last at the mouth of the Rio Urumea before going out to sea. The Puente del Kursaal is adorned with massive white-and-green columns with embossed decor and lamp-balls.

Miramar Palace

Miramar Palace

The three-storey Miramar Palace is the former family estate of Count Morian, bought by the royal family as the summer residence of Queen Maria Christina. The Palacio de Miramar was reconstructed in 1893 according to the design of Selden Wornum. Now the palace gardens are open to the public, and social events are held in the building. Miramar is located near La Concha beach, on the Paseo de Miraconcha boulevard.

Monte Igueldo Amusement Park

Monte Igueldo Amusement Park is located at the top of the coastal hill. The history of Parque Atracciones Monte Igueldo began on 1911 years old A fashionable club was built first, later a park was laid out nearby. At the top of the hill there is an old lighthouse-museum, next to it there are roller coasters, vintage carousels, labyrinths, observation terraces overlooking the Concha Bay.

Opening hours:

Opening hours vary by season, month, weekends and public holidays. You need to specify your date on the website monteigueldo.es.

The observation deck is open from 10:00, in the summer months until 20:00 (22:00).
Funicular during the summer months operates from 11:00 (10:00) to 20:00 (22:00).
Attractions work on weekends 11:30 – 14:00 and 16:00 – 20:30. From June 19 to September 10 open every day.

Ticket prices:

Tickets must be purchased separately for each attraction in the park. Prices from €1 to €5.

Mount Igueldo can be reached by funicular. General ticket for the funicular in both directions and the observation deck: adults – € 3.15, children – € 2.35.

Separate observation deck – €2.

Aiete Park

Aiete Park (photo: DONOSTIA KULTURA)

Aiete Park – a quiet, well-equipped corner in the old center, with a pond in which turtles and swans swim, with playgrounds, an underground Cultural Center. On the territory of Parque Aiete stands a white two-story palace – the former summer residence of Franco.

Cristina Enea Park

Cristina Enea Park (photo: Iñigo Silanes)

Cristina Enea Park is located in the Egia region, on a small hill at the mouth of the Urumea. The green massif of Cristina Enea Park was founded in the 19th century on the initiative of the patron of arts, the Duke of Mandas. The red building of the ducal palace has been preserved here, the Gladys stele has been installed in memory of the ecologist Estal, who was killed by extremists. The park has a pond and planted exotic trees.

Sculpture “Comb of the Winds”

Comb of the Winds, San Sebastian

“Comb of the Winds” – a large-scale sculptural composition by E. Chillida (1976). The Peine del Viento group is visible from various points in San Sebastian. It consists of three steel structures cut into the slope of Igeldo. Waves break with a roar on the metal bulks of the “crest”.

Anoeta Stadium

Anoeta Stadium (photo: Gure Esku dago)

Anoeta Stadium is the main sports arena in the province of Gipuzkoa. The object opened at 1993 year. According to the reconstruction plan for 2016, the capacity of Anoeta will increase from 32 to 45 thousand seats: it is planned to remove the running tracks around the perimeter of the field, as they create the effect of “distance” to the fans.

History of the city

San Sebastian Diocesan Seminary (photo: Fernando Two Two)

San Sebastian is a city of Art Nouveau architecture. Its appearance was influenced by the proximity of the border with France. Donostia, founded in the 12th century, has long been an ordinary trading port. In 1813, during the Peninsular War, the old center was destroyed by fire. The restoration lasted almost 40 years, many French architects worked on it. In the middle of the 19th century, Isabella II made San Sebastian a summer residence – this is how it became an aristocratic resort.

San Sebastian began to develop again. The city became a fashionable resort during World War I (Spain did not participate in it). Aristocrats and royalty loved to visit here. Now these places have become a resort for families, although both aristocrats and show business stars willingly visit San Sebastian.

Local dishes

San Sebastian is considered the gastronomic capital of the Basque Country. The national symbol is miniature pintxo sandwiches (pincho or pintxo). There are three Michelin-starred restaurants in the city.

Cod (Bacalao al pil-pil), roast with tuna Marmita de bonito, clams with artichokes (Alcachofas con almejas) are popular in “democratic” establishments. The bars serve small sardines sautéed with cayenne pepper and garlic, battered tomato croutons with ham and Idiazábal cheese.

Events, celebrations, events

Drum Carnival in San Sebastian (photo: Eneko Goia)

On January 20, Tamborrada or Danborrada is celebrated here – the procession-carnival of drummers. The largest event in the musical life is the July international jazz festival Heineken Jazzaldia. In mid-August, San Sebastian blooms with fireworks for a week: La Semana Grande takes place. At the end of the month there is a reenactment of the events of 1813 Fiesta del 31 agosto. In September, Donostia hosts the International Film Festival.

San Sebastian Public Transport

San Sebastian City Bus (photo: MACD 3)

The main public transport in San Sebastian is Dbus. There are about 40 routes throughout the city.

If you pay the fare with the driver in cash, one fare will cost: during the day – €1.7, at night – €2.10.

San Sebastian Card

Tourist cards: San Sebastian Card and Basque Card

To get around the city, you can purchase a tourist card – San Sebastian Card. There are cards: for 6 trips – €9and for 12 trips – €16. Both cards are valid for 10 days. At tourist offices, returning the card in perfect condition will refund €0.50. Several people can use one card!

!!! Driving on the card at night is not profitable: 2 trips are deducted from the card for travel at night.

In addition to the specified number of trips on public transport, San Sebastian Card provides various discounts in museums, restaurants, shops, funicular. Complete list →

The card is sold all year round at the San Sebastian tourist office at Alameda del Boulevard, 8, Donostia. In summer, they are sold in Plaza Cervantes. More cards can be purchased at some hotels: Amara Plaza, Astoria 7, Codina, San Sebastián, Hesperia Donosti, Green Nest, Avenida, Camping Igueldo, Camping Igara.

Tourist Card Basque Card

Attractions with discounts in the vicinity of San Sebastian with the Basque Card

For movement not only in San Sebastian, but throughout the province of Gipuzkoa, there is a tourist card Basque Card. Two types are offered for €26 and €41. You can buy them at the tourist office at Boulevard Zumardia, 8. If you return the card in perfect condition, €0.50 will be refunded.

Cards are valid for 10 days. Multiple people can travel on the same card in San Sebastian, except for Euskotren trains.

Benefits:

• one ride on city buses San Sebastian dbus: €1.15 during the day, €2.10 at night.
• Discount on Lurraldebus intercity buses in Guipuzcoa
• discount on Euskotren trains in Gipuzkoa – only for one person (! No discounts on Renfe trains)
• discounts on museums, restaurants, shops, excursions in the city of San Sebastian and attractions in its surroundings. Full list →

Funicular Monte Igueldo

Funicular to Mount Igueldo

The funicular is the most popular transport to get up from Ondarreta beach to Mount Igueldo. Funicular Monte Igueldo, opened in 1912, was the third in Spain. To this day, the original mechanisms and external design of old wagons have been preserved. In 3 minutes, he raises tourists to the park on Mount Igeldo. The funicular leaves every quarter of an hour.

During the summer months, the funicular operates from 11:00 (10:00) to 20:00 (22:00). The ticket for the funicular (both ways) includes a ticket to the observation deck on Mount Igueldo: adults – €3.15, children – €2.35. With a San Sebastian Card, an adult ticket is €2.35.

Trains

There are two rail carriers in San Sebastian: the Spanish state company Renfe – the main station of the North Station (Estación del Norte (Donostia)) and the Basque EuskoTren – the main station of Estación de Amara.

Renfe

Zones and scheme of the C-1 line of Renfe trains

The Renfe railway network is represented by one line C-1 Irún – Brinkola. Ticket prices vary by zone.

San Sebastian North Station offers direct connections to Madrid and Barcelona. Departure of trains 2 times a day. Travel time: to the capital of Spain – 5 hours 20 minutes, to the capital of Catalonia – 5 hours 50 minutes. Approximate ticket price: to Madrid – €60 – €75, to Barcelona – €65 – €85.

EuskoTrena

EuskoTren

The Basque EuskoTrena network in San Sebastian is represented by three lines:

• E1: Bilbao – Donostia/San Sebastián
• E2: Lasarte-Oria – Hendaia
• E5: Amara-Altza

Tariffs for Gipuzkoa zone 5-8:

How to get to San Sebastian from the airport?

San Sebastian Airport

San Sebastian Airport (Aeropuerto de San Sebastián, EAS) is located 20 kilometers, near the city of Hondarribia, which is on the very border with France.

Ekialdebus buses run from the airport. It takes about an hour to drive to the center of Donostia, the fare is € 2.45.

Scheme of buses from San Sebastian Airport

• Line E20 (at night E77) connects Hondarribia Airport with San Sebastian (Gipuzkoa Square) and passes through the municipalities of Rentería (Rentería, Errenteria) and Pasajes (Pasajes, Pasaia).
• line E27 (at night E77) is the same E20, but is valid on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and additionally passes through the city of Irún.
• line E21 connects Hondarribia Airport with San Sebastian (Gipuzkoa Square) via the AP8 motorway – travel time 30 minutes.
• lines E23 or E24 (in the morning) the rest of the time – E28. The route passes through the center of San Sebastian, its districts – Riberas de Loyola (Riberas de Loyola), Amara (Amara) and Antigua (Antiguo), and then along the AP8 motorway. Bus E28 additionally calls into the city of Irún.

Bilbao Airport (BIO) – 105 km

Bilbao International Airport (Aeropuerto de Bilbao, BIO) is located 105 kilometers from San Sebastian. From it to San Sebastian (stop – Parada De Autobuses Pio XII Donostia) there is a Pesa intercity bus – DO50B. The journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes, the ticket costs €17.10.

What to see around San Sebastian?

Santa Clara Island

Museum-Park of the sculptor Eduardo Chillida

City of Hondarribia

Sanctuary of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

House Museum of Ignacio Zuloaga

Fort San Marcos

Basque Railway Museum

Basque Coast Geopark

Santa Clara Island

Santa Clara Island (photo: Sergey Kupriyanov)

In La Concha Bay, directly opposite the city beaches, Santa Clara Island rises above the water – a small piece of rocky land. A yacht port has been built there, a bar is open, and there is a rescue post. During high tides, part of the coast is exposed – a beach is formed.

Eduardo Chillida Park Museum

Chillida-Leku Museum (photo: Josep M. Martí)

The Eduardo Chillida-Leku Museum Park (Museo Chillida-Leku) is located in Hernani. On the hillside, against the backdrop of an oak grove, four dozen abstract plastic compositions are exhibited. An exposition of the artist’s small works is presented in the Museo Chillida-Leku building.

City of Hondarribia

Hondarribia (Basque), Fuenterrabia (Spanish) (photo: Santi Mendiola)

On the Bidasoa River, on the Spanish-French border, stands the picturesque town of Hondarribia, with an excellent beach and colorful facades of the old center. This is the only city in the province of Gipuzkoa that has retained its fortified walls.

Sanctuary of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Basilica of Santuario de Loyola (photo: Atsobakar)

Sanctuary of Ignatius of Loyola is one of the most significant places of worship for the Basques. This basilica, built near the city of Azpeitia, is included in the memorial complex along with a park, a hotel, and a Jesuit college. Santuario de Loyola (XVII century) was built in the Churrigueresco style. Inside the temple there is a silver figure of St. Ignacio brought from Rome.

Ignacio Zuloaga House Museum

Zuloaga Museum (photo: Z Espacio Cultural)

The Museum of the painter Ignacio Zuloaga (Museo Zuloaga) is located in the former cloister of Santiago Echea, in the town of Sumaya. The villa houses works by Zuloaga, works by Goya, El Greco and other artists.

Fort San Marcos

Fort San Marcos (photo: Santi Aguirre)

Fort San Marcos (1888) stands on the 280 m high mountain of the same name, near the town of Errenteria. Tourists visiting the defensive complex, visiting a local restaurant.

Costa Basca Geopark

Costa Basca Geopark is a 13-kilometer section of the Biscay coast between Zumaya and Mutriku. An amazing landscape has formed here: picturesque rock layers – flyschs. On the territory of the Basque Coast Geopark there are karst caves.

Read more in my report:

Basque Railway Museum

Railway Museum in the town of Azpeitia (photo: Ezequiel Pérez martínez)

The Basque Railway Museum operates in the town of Azpeitia. Museo Vasco del Ferrocarril has a rich collection of transport, technology, and other railway rarities. Here you can look at retro exhibits and ride the tourist train from Azpeitia to Lasao and back.

San Sebastian (Spain) 2022 – all about the city, photos, sights of San Sebastian The main attractions of San Sebastian with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of San Sebastian (Spain)

San Sebastian (Basque: Donostia) is located on the north coast of the Basque Country and is one of the most attractive, charming and popular Atlantic resorts in Spain. San Sebastian is an exquisite coastal gem located on the Bay of Biscay, surrounded by green hills and beautiful beaches. It is a city of charming architecture, spacious squares and picturesque parks, which is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful and interesting places in northern Spain.

San Sebastian is famous for its great sandy beaches, quaint old town and great gastronomy. This elegant city, located on the shores of the picturesque La Concha Bay, is one of the most fashionable beach resorts in Spain. Its extensive coastline, bounded by the hills of Urgull and Igueldo, stretches for several kilometers, delighting tourists with its natural beauty.

San Sebastian is renowned for its savory cuisine (the city has one of the highest densities of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world), as well as its lively atmosphere and cultural attractions, including a visit to the royal palace and its magnificent gardens, a stroll along the terraced seaside promenade, which offers views of the city’s inspiring architecture as well as wandering the atmospheric cobbled streets in search of authentic pinchos.

Sunset in San Sebastian

San Sebastian has an oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winters. Most of the year it is usually overcast and rainy, except during the summer months. Summers in San Sebastian are somewhat drier and noticeably sunnier.

Information for tourists

1. Population – 187 thousand people
2. Square – 60.89 km ²
3. Language summer +2

Interesting facts about San Sebastian

• San Sebastian was given to the King of Navarre in 1265 as part of a wedding dowry, making this kingdom an ideal seaport for trade.
• San Sebastian was almost completely destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. Only one street survived.
• San Sebastian became famous as a tourist destination in the early 19th century, when it was frequented by members of the royal family to escape the heat of central Spain.
• The gastronomy of San Sebastian is considered one of the best and most refined in Spain.
• San Sebastian has near-perfect urban planning, for which it is often compared to Rio de Janeiro.

History

According to excavations carried out near the monastery of Santa Teresa on the slopes of Urgull, there was a Roman settlement on the territory of the present old part of the city. It is believed that San Sebastian during the time of the Roman Empire was on the territory of the people of Vardulov. 10 km east of the current city lay the Roman city of Irun, which for a long time was erroneously identified with San Sebastian.

No mention of the town was found in the early Middle Ages. In 1014, the monastery of St. Sebastian was founded here, around which a settlement grew, which became a city by 1180. In the 13th century, San Sebastian was conquered by Castile, whose king Alfonso VIII confirmed its city rights. As a result of this, the kingdom of Navarre was deprived of its direct access to the sea. In 1265, the use of the city as a seaport was granted to Navarre as part of a marriage contract. At this time, San Sebastian was inhabited by a large number of Gascons, which contributed to the development of trade with other European ports.

Streets of San Sebastian

In the 17th century, the city was used as a royal residence by Louis XIV. After a relatively peaceful 17th century, San Sebastian was besieged and captured by the troops of the French Duke of Berwick. In 1808 Napoleonic troops captured San Sebastian again during the Peninsular War. In 1813, after several weeks of siege, a landing squadron of the British Royal Navy captured Santa Clara Island in La Concha Bay. Situated on a narrow promontory that juts out into the sea between the waters of the Bay of Biscay and the wide mouth of the Urumea River, the city appeared difficult to access and well fortified. Three days later, on 31 August, British and Portuguese troops laid siege to San Sebastian, sacked and burned it to the ground. Only the street at the foot of the hill remained, which now bears the name of this sad date.

After these devastating events, the reconstruction of the city began in the same place, but with modern urban planning. Therefore, the current old town has a neoclassical, austere and systematic style of architecture. In 1817, Constitution Square was built in San Sebastian, and between 1828 and 1832, a new town hall.

Since 1885, the widow of the Spanish King Alfonso XII, Maria Cristina, spent every summer in San Sebastian with her retinue, staying at the Miramar Palace. Over time, the resort became popular with the Spanish aristocracy. The city developed and flourished until the 40s of the 20th century, until the Spanish nationalists came to power. Over the decade, the population of San Sebastian has decreased by 40 – 50 thousand people. After World War II, the city was hit by poverty, famine and repression, as well as smuggling. In fact, the prosperity and development of the modern resort began only in 90 years of the 20th century.

How to get there

Trains to San Sebastian arrive from many parts of Spain, as well as Portugal and France, including overnight services from Paris and Lisbon. The city has a small airport located 20 km from the center, next to Fuenterrabia. A larger international airport is located in Bilbao (about 100 km from San Sebastian). The Basque Country is usually easier to get around by bus than by train. Buses arrive and depart from Plaza de Pio XII.

City Hall

Food

Culinary critics say that no matter what bar or cafe you go to in San Sebastian, everything will be delicious. The old city abounds in many places with great pinchos – small snacks (miniature dishes) carefully prepared by skilled chefs. Also, thanks to the sea, you can try excellent seafood here, such as fried anchovies, flounder or cod dishes (tortilla de bacalao or bunuelos de bacalao). All in all, the gastronomy of San Sebastian is truly outstanding. Here you can try many great dishes not only of Basque and Spanish, but also of European cuisine. Only San Sebastian has 9Michelin starred restaurants.

Attractions

La Concha is the brightest jewel in the crown of San Sebastian and one of the main symbols of the city. This beach, opposite Santa Clara Island, has been named one of the best urban beaches in Europe and Spain.

La Concha Beach

La Concha is located in the city center and is part of the bay of the same name. Both the beach and the bay got their name from the resemblance of their shape to that of a seashell. The beach has fine golden sand and is over 1300 meters long, making it an ideal place for walking barefoot.

La Concha is a place with history. It was made fashionable by Queen Isabella II after her doctors recommended swimming in the sea to get rid of skin problems. Other aristocrats followed her, giving rise to an elegant resort.

San Sebastian Harbor

Along La Concha Beach, a beautiful promenade with decorative railings and street lamps is a popular promenade. A few minutes walk from the beach is the picturesque and green Alameda Boulevard – the center of San Sebastian’s nightlife with many shops, restaurants and cafes. From here, tourists can explore the charming old town.

The streets of Parte Vieja

The old town of San Sebastian (Parte Vieja) is hidden between the base of Mount Urgull and Alameda Boulevard. This lively area is one of the most popular destinations among tourists and locals.

Constitution Square

The highlight of Parte Vieja is the arcaded Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square), a large public space where bullfights once took place. The main building on the square served as the city hall of San Sebastian until the 40s of the 20th century. The balconies of the colorful buildings surrounding the square were once used as bleachers during bullfights.

Nearby you can see the beautiful neoclassical library building and the traditional food stalls of the old market from the 19th century.

Church of San Vicente

Not far from the Constitution Square is the oldest church in San Sebastian, dedicated to St. Vicente. It was built in the Gothic style in the first half of the 16th century. Inside is a fine Romanesque altarpiece and French organ from 1868, as well as impressive stained glass windows.

A favorite pastime in the Old Town is strolling through the quaint cobbled streets in search of traditional pinchos. Parte Vieja is filled with authentic restaurants and is busiest in the evenings when tourists and locals alike flock here.

San Telmo

San Telmo is an exceptional museum dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Basque Country. The museum occupies the Renaissance buildings of an old monastery from the 16th century. Its collections include archeology (Egyptian, Phoenician and ancient Roman artifacts), fine arts with many paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures, and ethnography (with a focus on Basque culture).

Among the main masterpieces of the museum are paintings by El Greco, Alonso Cano, Rubens, Moran, Ribera and Coelho.

Miramar Palace

Miramar is an English-style palace designed in 1888 by the English architect Wornum. The palace above the bay of La Concha was built as a holiday home for the Spanish royal family. Several Spanish queens chose this place as their summer residence. The building is notable for its octagonal tower and half-timbered details. The facade is decorated with the coat of arms of the Spanish Habsburgs.

The relatively simple but elegant house has two floors. The third floor was intended for servants. The palace is surrounded by a lush park of more than three hectares. The estate also includes well maintained gardens with stunning sea views.

Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro

Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro is an exquisite 18th century Baroque church at the foot of Mount Urgull in the heart of the Old Town. This basilica is one of the most visited tourist attractions in San Sebastian. Presumably, it was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple.

The church has a magnificent Churrigueresco (Spanish Baroque) façade with a statue of Saint Sebastian in a niche and two towers. The Gandhi interior is distinguished by graceful Neo-Gothic vaults and impressive columns with ornate capitals.

The Cathedral

The Cathedral is the largest church in San Sebastian, located in the New Town, near the busy San Martin Street. This monumental building with a 75-meter high tower is an important city landmark.

This Neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by the Basque architect Manuel de Echave in 1880. It took nine years to build, starting in 1888, and was inaugurated by the Spanish royal family in 1897. The cathedral was built from sandstone quarried from Mount Igeldo. The huge building has an impressive area of ​​1915 square meters, admiring the spaciousness of the richly decorated interior, which is a symmetrical Latin cross with three naves and a transept. The abundance of stained-glass windows gives the church an inspiring look.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara – a tiny island 30 meters wide off the coast, combining the tranquility of nature and the convenience of civilization. The island has cafes, restaurants, picnic areas and a small beach. During the summer, from June 1 to September 30, a ferry departs from San Sebastian Harbor to the island every 30 minutes.

San Sebastian City Hall

The historic center of San Sebastian acquired its present appearance at the end of the 19th century, when the old walls were demolished. The new city was very carefully planned and is a prime example of an eclectic style. The most remarkable aspect of San Sebastian is the sense of unity, which is barely spoiled by a handful of modern buildings. Among them, the town hall stands out, originally opened as a casino in 1897.

Other places of interest in the new city:

• Plaza de Bilbao is a beautiful square with an impressive fountain.
• Maria Cristina Bridge – the most elegant bridge on the Urumea River, inspired by the Pont Alexandre III in Paris.
• Paseo de Francia – a romantic French-style promenade with fountains and early 20th century mansions.

Ondarreta

Ondarreta is a lively beach that is full of holidaymakers in summer. It borders Mount Igueldo and the grounds of the Miramar Palace. This fine golden sand beach is a great place for sunbathing, walking, swimming and playing beach volleyball. The 100 meter wide coastline stretches for nearly a kilometer, offering enough space to handle the high season crowds.

Ondarreta is more than just a beach. Alongside it is a coastal path leading to the Peine del Viento (“Wind Comb”) sculpture and gardens adorned with symmetrical flower arrangements and sculptures.

Zurriola

Zurriola is a famous beach with a wide coastline and golden sand, which is especially popular with surfers. It is in the commercial area of ​​San Sebastian, where there are many sports shops, large department stores and art galleries. Playa de la Zurriola attracts surfers from all over the world with challenging waves, which is why surfing competitions are often held here.

Behind the Zurriola beach is the beautiful and extensive Ulia Park.

The congress center and the Kursaal building crown the easternmost edge of the promenade, symbols of the new modern architecture designed by Rafael Moneo. These facilities form the basis of local cultural and congress activities.

Mount Urgul

Mount Urgul is a place with a colorful and rich history. Already in the 12th century, this area was transformed into a military fortress, and its walls have withstood many attacks and sieges over the centuries. A walk through this area will take you back to a bygone era and reveal traces of the old fortifications that once surrounded Donostia. At 179In 4 AD Mount Urgull witnessed the city’s first capitulation at the hands of the French and silently watched the fire that destroyed the city during the battle between the French troops and the Anglo-Portuguese army in 1813.

The top of Monte Urgulla is crowned by the fortress of Castillo de la Mota. Built in the 12th century, this structure played a key role in the defense of the city, and its walls and fortifications have witnessed much of the history of modern San Sebastian.