A Short History Of San Sebastian

Tourist information - San SebastianOffice. Also, San Sebastian Cathedral, el Buen Pastor,
This city, also known as Donostia, lies along a whitebuilt in Neogothic style. Once again on the bank there
sandy bay between the Urgull and Igeldo hills.are aristocratic houses from the beginning of the
Fishermen's houses, a smart suburb and modern20th century, leading to the María Cristina
districts make it one of the most attractive cities onbridge, the most monumental of those crossing the
the Cantabrian coast. The Museum of San Telmo, theriver. Four lamps by the sculptor Mariano Benlliure light
Peine de los Vientos (Comb of the Winds) and thethe way to the railway station, designed by Eiffel. On
Kursaal are examples of how the city brings togetherthis side of the river are the modern districts of
modern and traditional features. Meanwhile, theEguía and Gros. On Gros Beach is the modern
province of Guipuzcoa, of which San Sebastián isKursaal structure, designed by the architect Rafael
the capital, blends sea and mountains, offering theMoneo.
traveller landscape, sports and cuisine, as well asSan Sebastián is a cosmopolitan city with a
interesting monuments. Basque cuisine has astrong Basque character, which is clear in its cultural
recognised international prestige.events. The "tamborrada" or "Semana Grande", with
The town centre streets of San Sebastian unfoldits fishing boat regatta, tells us something of the
overlooking the La Concha Bay. Monte Igeldo markstradition; while its prestigious film and jazz festivals
one end of it - a wonderful vantage point forsay a great deal about its international vocationAll
enjoying views over the city. At its feet is Torrepeathese are occasions when it is well worth enjoying
Point, where the "Peine de los Vientos" ("Comb ofthe city, although you will need to book
the Winds"), a sculpture by the famous Basque artistaccommodation in advance.
Eduardo Chillida, is installed. Here Ondarreta beachOne of the best ways of touring its districts and
begins, framed by a garden area and by the Pico delapproaching its culture is through the cuisine. Basque
Loro. This was the place chosen by Queen Mariacookery has international prestige thanks to its raw
Cristina (18th C.) to build the Miramar Palace, hermaterials and the skill of its cooks, who have both
summer residence. A lovely promenade with eleganttraditional and imaginative repertoires. It must be said
railings and street lamps runs along La Concha Beach,that some of the most renowned restaurants in
on whose sands is the Perla del OcéanoSpain are in San Sebastián. Recipes made with
Bathing Area, a former royal bathing hut. Still lookingvegetables, fish and shellfish must always be
at the sea, you arrive at the old Casino, nowadaysaccompanied by chacolí from Guetaria
the City Hall. In this area, between the sea and theGuetariako Txakolina, with its own Denomination of
River Urumea, is the old town and the way to MonteOrigin.
Urgull, the marina and the fishermen's district. TheThe province of Guipúzcoa satisfies the tastes
summit of Urgull is dominated by La Mota Castle andof any traveller, offering a long coastline of excellent
a representation of the Sacred Heart. One pathbeaches and fishing villages, while inland there are
takes you upwards while another skirts the hill andnatural areas where you can find important historic
takes you along the breakwater.towns. Going along the coast from France towards
In the oldest part of San Sebastián, the churchesVizcaya you will have the chance to visit the historic
of San Vicente and Santa María del Coro awaitcentre of Hondarribia/Fuenterrabia, declared a
you, the former Gothic and the latterHistoric-Artistic Monument, and to stay in its Parador
Renaissance-Baroque. An old Dominican convent isde TurismoOther towns that combine interesting
nowadays the San Telmo Museum, whosemonuments with extensive beaches are Zarautz,
archaeological and ethnographic collections, togetherGetaria, Deba and Mutriku.
with its paintings, are worth a leisurely visit. TheseRivers and valleys lead you inland. Following the
busy streets lead you to the porticoed Plaza de lacourse of the Oria, the historic towns of Tolosa,
Constitución. Among its many balconies -Ordizia and Lazkao preserve important legacies of
numbered and painted white, betraying its origin as amonuments. The Urola valley has the old town and
bullring - stands the old Neoclassical City Hall,spa of Cestona/Zestoa, the medieval streets of
converted into the Municipal Library.Azpeitia and the Sanctuary of San Ignacio de Loyola,
La Alameda del Boulevard leads into the Romantica Baroque site that is the centre of Basque religious
city, which emerged after the old walls werelife. Bergara, one of the most smartest towns in
demolished. One the banks of the Urumea you canGuipúzcoa, and the lovely houses of Elgeta
make out the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and theunfold along the Deba valley.
María Cristina Hotel, built in Neoplateresque style.In addition to this wealth of monuments, this Basque
Spread through this rationalist street pattern, you canprovince has a natural heritage which is perfect for
also visit the Plaza de Guipúzcoa, with itspractising many low environmental impact sports. The
gardens, the Provincial Government building, the KoldoAitzkorri, Aralar, Aiako-Harria and Pagoeta natural
Mitxeleria Cultural Centre and the Post and Telegraphparks also show us the quality of their ecosystems.