Castles and heritage sites in Gipuzkoa

This collection features the defensive architecture and aristocratic heritage of the Gipuzkoa region, spanning from prehistoric caves to medieval fortifications. Highlights include the 12th-century Mota Castle atop Mount Urgull, the imposing 16th-century Charles V Castle in Hondarribia, and the UNESCO-listed Ekain cave paintings. The selection showcases fortified city gates, Renaissance palaces, and Gothic churches, offering a comprehensive look at the strategic military history and cultural evolution of the Basque Country.

Castles and Heritage Sites — Map

Raimundo Pastor / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Mota Castle

12th-century fortress situated on Mount Urgull. It houses the House of History museum and is topped by a landmark 12-meter statue of the Sacred Heart.

Maribuena / CC BY-SA 3.0 es

B

Palacio Zuloaga

18th-century urban palace in Hondarribia's old town. It features a Baroque stone facade with a prominent coat of arms and currently houses the municipal library.

Zarateman / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Charles V Castle

10th-century stone fortress extensively rebuilt in the 16th century by Emperor Charles V. The building features massive masonry walls and now operates as a Parador hotel.

D

Puerta de Santa María

The main 16th-century entrance gate to the walled city of Hondarribia, featuring a sun-dial and the city's carved coat of arms above the archway.

Xabier Cañas / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Fuerte de Ametzagaña

Ruins of a 19th-century fort located in Ametzagaña Park. It was constructed during the Carlist Wars as part of the defensive perimeter surrounding San Sebastián.

Xabi1980 / CC BY 3.0

F

Narros Jauregia

16th-century Renaissance palace located on Zarautz beach. Built with ashlar stone, it historically served as the summer residence for Queen Isabella II of Spain.

TRAILERS MUSEUM / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Villa mauresque

Early 20th-century Neo-Moorish villa in Hendaye. Designated as a historical monument, it features distinctive horseshoe arches and orientalist architectural elements.

Uranzu / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Zumeltzegi dorrea

13th-century medieval tower house in Oñati. Once the residence of the Lords of Guevara, the structure features thick stone walls and now functions as a hotel.

I

Castillo de San Telmo

16th-century coastal fortification built on the cliffs of Hondarribia to protect the port of Higuer from pirate attacks and naval incursions.

Uranzu / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Gazteluzar

Ruins of a 16th-century triangular fortress built to defend the border. It remains a significant example of Renaissance military engineering in the Bidasoa region.

//www.argazkiak.org/GipuzkoaKultura/ / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Ekain

UNESCO World Heritage site containing exceptional Magdalenian cave paintings, primarily depicting horses. A precise replica, Ekainberri, is located nearby for public viewing.

L

Puerta exterior de San Nicolas

A secondary defensive gate in Hondarribia's fortification system, once featuring a drawbridge to control access through the city's exterior walls.

M

Baluarte de la Reina

A massive 16th-century stone bastion forming part of the Renaissance-era defensive walls designed to protect the southern flank of Hondarribia.

Jasagarra / CC BY-SA 4.0

N

Nuestra Sra. de la Asunción y del Manzano

Gothic-Renaissance church built between the 15th and 16th centuries. It features a Baroque bell tower and was constructed over the remains of ancient Romanesque walls.

O

San Millan Eliza

Medieval church in Zizurkil featuring a mix of Gothic and Baroque elements, characterized by its heavy stone construction and regional religious significance.

Other Lists

Gipuzkoa's Essential Treasures Ancient Archaeological Sites Historic Churches and Chapels Basque Cider Houses and Pelota Peaks and Viewpoints