A Short History Of San Sebastian | edge of the earth
A Short History Of San Sebastian | edge of the earth
This city, also known as , lies along a white sandy bay between the and hills. Fishermen’s houses, a smart suburb and modern districts make it one of the most attractive cities on the coast. The Museum of San Telmo, the de los (Comb of the Winds) and the are examples of how the city brings together modern and traditional features. Meanwhile, the province of , of which San Sebastián is the capital, blends sea and mountains, offering the traveller landscape, sports and cuisine, as well as interesting monuments. Basque cuisine has a recognised international prestige.
The town centre streets of San Sebastian unfold overlooking the La Concha Bay. Monte I marks one end of it – a wonderful vantage point for enjoying views over the city. At its feet is T Point, where the “de los (“Comb of the Winds”), a sculpture by the famous Basque artist Eduardo, is installed. Here Ondarreta beach begins, framed by a garden area and by the Pico del Loro. This was the place chosen by Queen Maria Cristina (18th C.) to build the Miramar Palace, her summer residence. A lovely promenade with elegant railings and street lamps runs along La Concha Beach, on whose sands is the Perla del Bathing Area, a former royal bathing hut. Still looking at the sea, you arrive at the old Casino, nowadays the City Hall. In this area, between the sea and the River Urumea, is the old town and the way to Monte Urgull, the marina and the fishermen’s district. The summit of Urgull is dominated by La Mota Castle and a representation of the Sacred Heart. One path takes you upwards while another skirts the hill and takes you along the breakwater.
In the oldest part of San Sebastián, the churches of San Vicente and Santa María del Coro await you, the former Gothic and the latter Renaissance-Baroque. An old Dominican convent is nowadays the San Telmo Museum, whose archaeological and ethnographic collections, together with its paintings, are worth a leisurely visit. These busy streets lead you to the porticoed Plaza de la . Among its many balconies – numbered and painted white, betraying its origin as a bullring – stands the old Neoclassical City Hall, converted into the Municipal Library.
La Alameda del Boulevard leads into the Romantic city, which emerged after the old walls were demolished. One the banks of the you can make out the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the María Cristina Hotel, built in style. Spread through this rationalist street pattern, you can also visit the Plaza de , with its gardens, the Provincial Government building, the Cultural Centre and the Post and Telegraph Office. Also, San Sebastian Cathedral, el Pastor, built in style. Once again on the bank there are aristocratic houses from the beginning of the 20th century, leading to the María Cristina bridge, the most monumental of those crossing the river. Four lamps by the sculptor Mariano light the way to the railway station, designed by Eiffel. On this side of the river are the modern districts of and . On Beach is the modern structure, designed by the architect Rafael
San Sebastián is a cosmopolitan city with a strong Basque character, which is clear in its cultural events. The “” or “Grande”, with its fishing boat regatta, tells us something of the tradition; while its prestigious film and jazz festivals say a great deal about its international vocationAll these are occasions when it is well worth enjoying the city, although you will need to book accommodation in advance.
One of the best ways of touring its districts and approaching its culture is through the cuisine. Basque cookery has international prestige thanks to its raw materials and the skill of its cooks, who have both traditional and imaginative repertoires. It must be said that some of the most renowned restaurants in Spain are in San Sebastián. Recipes made with vegetables, fish and shellfish must always be accompanied by from with its own Denomination of Origin.
The province of satisfies the tastes of any traveller, offering a long coastline of excellent beaches and fishing villages, while inland there are natural areas where you can find important historic towns. Going along the coast from France towards you will have the chance to visit the historic centre of declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, and to stay in its Parador de towns that combine interesting monuments with extensive beaches are Zarautz, Getaria, Deba and Mutriku.
Rivers and valleys lead you inland. Following the course of the Oria, the historic towns of Tolosa, Ordizia and Lazkao preserve important legacies of Elgeta unfold along the Deba valley.
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