Sevärdheter i Donostia/San Sebastián

Editor's Choice

San Sebastián’s cultural landscape is defined by its integration of avant-garde art and historical architecture. This selection features Eduardo Chillida’s Comb of the Wind and Jorge Oteiza’s Empty Construction, alongside the 12th-century Mota Castle on Mount Urgull. The city's maritime heritage is preserved at the Albaola shipyard, where a 16th-century whaling ship is being reconstructed, and the San Telmo Museum, housed in a former Dominican convent. Modernist landmarks like the Kursaal glass cubes and the Belle Époque Victoria Eugenia Theatre reflect the city’s role as a hub for international arts and film.

Sukopare / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Peine del Viento

The Comb of the Wind is a collection of three sculptures by Eduardo Chillida arranged as an architectural work by the Basque architect Luis…

Euskaldunaa / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Mota Castle

12th-century fortress situated atop Mount Urgull. The site features defensive walls, cannons, and the History House museum, all overlooked by the 12-meter-tall Sacred Heart statue.

Jose Luis Filpo Cabana / CC BY 3.0

C

Kursaal Congress Centre

The Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium is a complex comprising several spaces: a great auditorium, many-use halls and exhibition halls.

Euskaldunaa / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

San Telmo Museum

San Telmo Museoa is a museum of the Basque society located in Donostia-San Sebastián, addressing old and contemporary Basque culture, arts…

Joxemai / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Aquarium San Sebastian

Medium-sized aquarium with a nice examples of the sea life and additional extensive exhibitions. Definitely worth the time.

Jesica Stutzer / cc-by-4.0

F

Victoria Eugenia antzokia

Belle Époque theatre designed by Francisco de Urcola and opened in 1912. It serves as a primary venue for the San Sebastián International Film Festival and features a sandstone facade with Plateresque elements.

lkontratua90 / cc-by-2.0

G

Albaola Itsas Kultur Faktoria

Maritime museum and active shipyard in Pasaia focused on traditional Basque shipbuilding. It houses the live reconstruction of the San Juan, a 16th-century whaling galleon, using historical techniques.

Isma Monfort / cc-by-sa-2.0

H

Chillida-Leku Museum

Outstanding museum and a sculpture garden with the contemporary Basque art. Since 2011 opens only at certain dates, so check in advance.

Jesica Stutzer / cc-by-4.0

I

Eraikuntza Hutsa-Construcción Vacía

Monumental steel sculpture by Jorge Oteiza located on Paseo Nuevo. This 1957 work explores the concept of empty space and serves as a landmark overlooking the Bay of Biscay.

David Lally / cc-by-sa-4.0

J

Iglesia San Vicente

16th-century Gothic church, considered the oldest building in San Sebastián. It features a prominent altarpiece by Ambrosio de Bengoechea and remains a central landmark of the Old Town.