Meeting someone? This is the place donostiarras (residents of San Sebastian) do it. This grand plaza was built between 1895 and 1905. The plaza, which completely surrounds the Buen Pastor Cathedral, is divided into three types of buildings. Those situated in the north, east and west sides are apartment buildings. The architectural style is neoclassical mostly, but with eclectic ornamental details. The south side is closed in by two monumental buildings, namely the central post office and the Koldo Mitxelena Cultural Center. The Buen Pastor Cathedral is an island in the center of the square and faces Santa María la Real Church, situated at the opposite end of town, thereby forming with it a religious axis across the city.
This plaza was designed to be the central square of the first phase of urban expansion after the demolition of the city's walls in 1863. The design is typical of a 'Plaza Mayor' found elsewhere, with apartment blocks on three sides and an important building on the fourth side, in this case the Palacio de la Diputación (the national government's representative offices in San Sebastian). The entire project, built between 1867 and 1882, is the work of José Eleuterio de Escoriaza. The central gardens, planted in 1877, are from the mind of French landscape architect Pierre Ducasse. The gardens consist of an interesting variety of trees and shrubs on uneven terrain. There's also a small pond, a weather dial and a statue of the musician José María Usandizaga to complete the scene.
Altxerri Gallery was founded in 1983, and it is dedicated primarily to promoting young, new artists and the presentation of the work by established artists in the contemporary field. Both individual and collective exhibitions are organized. Among the gallery's artists, we must mention Javier Balda, Mikel Bergara, Carmen Calvo, J.M. Ciria, Jesús María Corman and many more. In the gallery's basement is the bar of the same name, a very interesting spot for jazz lovers.
The plaza's present appearance is the result of a design by 19th-century architects Pedro Manuel de Ugartemendia and Alexo de Miranda. This square is the social and urban center of the Parte Vieja, occupying a place held by earlier squares that were destroyed by fires on two previous occasions, in 1813 and 1689, when the square was used as a bullring. Its layout is that of conventional Spanish plazas, with apartment buildings above arches on three sides and a monumental building on the fourth, in this case, the old town hall. The beautiful plaza is neoclassical in style, and on the ground floor you'll find shops and alfresco cafes with typical Old World charm.
Situated in a grand old Spanish building, the Museo San Telmo is a museum with a history of its own. The building, which was constructed in 1562 as a convent, displays some marvelous examples of architecture in the church, cloister and main museum building. It houses some of the most invaluable collections of paintings, sculpture and jewelry. A thorough visit to the museum will provide tourists with an insight into Basque culture and heritage through permanent as well as temporary collections.
Behind the Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull looms, showing off a Christ statue in the style of the Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. At the top of the mountain is Mota Castle, a fortification which dates from the late 18th Century. On one of the slopes, you'll find the Naval Museum. You can climb up the mountain by taking one of several paths. The hill's summit offers spellbinding views of the surrounding vistas, and tourists can explore the historical environs of the captivating mountain.
The Naval Museum is located in San Sebastian's port, in a building constructed in the mid-18th century as the headquarters for the association of San Sebastian's merchants and sailors. The museum is devoted to the study of the long relationship that has existed between the Basques and the sea, with a special focus on the technological evolution the naval field has undergone. It has a collection of carpentry tools, ship replicas, and navigational instruments, which give an idea of the contributions Basques have made to the trades of the sea. The museum has a specialized library, video library and archive, as well as guided tours to adult and school groups.
Don't miss the San Sebastián Aquarium, with its underwater tunnel and fascinating 360º view of marine fauna. The big attraction is the huge skeleton of the last whale to have been hunted and caught in local waters. There's also a history section about the region's fishing, shipping and ship-building industries. When you get hungry, try the delightful restaurant inside the aquarium. The complex opened in 1928 and was completely refurbished before re-opening to the public in 1998.
Almirante Okendo's ancestral house, originally dating from 1580, was rebuilt completely in masonry sandstone, transforming the old agricultural character of the former building into a palatial house with a wide entranceway in the form of a half-point arch crowned with a family coat of arms, although you would never guess it from the building's appearance today. Inside is a more stately layout with spacious staircases and rooms. In 1939, after being donated to the local council, it was turned into a museum, and after a major renovation in 1984, into a cultural center.
Eureka! Science Museum is an interactive museum that opened in January 2001. It offers exhibits and interactive displays in science and technology. The main section has a permanent exhibition space on the universe, the Earth, physical and chemical phenomena, biology, mankind, perception and mathematical sciences, as well as a planetarium and an observatory. The rest of the museum is used for temporary exhibits, a conference room, an Internet café, souvenir shop and workshops where the staff produce in-house materials.
This castle was built to protect the entrance to Pasaia's bay and port. It was begun in 1625 on a slightly elevated piece of ground where the Churrutella windmills used to be. A magnificent defence against sea attack, it proved useless against land offensives and consequently incorporated defensive structures around itself throughout the 18th century. It ceased to be used in 1867, but the remains can still be seen and appreciated.
Museo Chillida-Leku was started by sculptor-artist Eduardo Chillida, featuring his works. Spanning over an area of 12 acres, the museum has a large garden where some of the artists works are placed, while others have been placed inside the house. Various works by the artists are brought together in several exhibitions. The museum is also a venue for cultural activities and events. The auditorium and farmhouse can be rented for private events.