Castles and Heritage Sites

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Villa mauresque

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

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.

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.

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.

Ekain

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

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.

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.

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.

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.