Culture of San Sebastian. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

» To build a summer cottage, the members of the Spanish royal family purchased the land at the coast of the bay. The residence was finished in 1893.
»  The three-storey palace is located in the upper city. Servants lived on the upper floors. The basement was used for household needs. It is just a few meters from the beach.
»  To link Antiguo with the other district of the city, the tunnel for vehicles was specifically built. The tunnel is dug along the embankment. There is a garden above it. Its territory belongs to the monastery.
»  In 1929, the government purchased the estate. It was assumed that the President of the Republic would stay here when visiting the city. Then, the palace was returned to the royal family.
»  Its total area is 34 000 m2. The green area is also open for the public. The citizens can walk along stone paths among well-kept lawns.
»  In the mansion, some rooms - the library, the White Hall, the Music Saloon, and the dining room - have remained unchanged since the foundation.
»  Parties are also organized in Palacio de Miramar. The San Sebastián International Film Festival is also held here.

» The Roman Catholic Church was built in the late 18th century. Historically, it is located in the city center. The construction lasted over 20 years.
»  The basilica has survived in its original form. The central entrance is between two decorated towers. You can see church symbols on the facade. There is a clock at the top of the church. Above the doorway, there is the statue of revered Sebastian. You can also see the picture of him in the basilica.
»  The Christian follower was brutally murdered in 288. He was pierced with arrows upon the order of the Roman Emperor. The city is named after him.
»  There is the emblem of the city on the wall. There are sculptures in semicircular niches with a relief base. Octagonal 15-meter columns support the vault inside. The hall with a total area of 48x33 m is divided into three sectors.
»  The altar is devoted to the patroness of citizens, the Holy Great Martyr Mary. The image of the Virgin Mary is carved out of wood. The sculpture was made in the 15th-16th century.
»  At the end of the summer month, you can listen to the famous choir Orfeón Donostiarra in Santa Maria del Coro.

» In 1887, the cultural building was constructed on the city embankment. The opening ceremony was visited by the Queen.
»  It was the heart of social life: board game and fencing tournaments, different events, and concerts were held here.
»  The room with light yellow sandstone walls attracted many players. Not only local aristocrats, but also representatives of the European middle class preferred to play billiard here.
»  The Big Casino has seen serious struggles until the middle of 1920. It was the most exquisite casino in Europe at that time.
»  When the gambling was prohibited, the building served as a hospital and then belonged to the Tourist and Entertainment Center. During the First World War, political refugees, for example, Mata Hari, found a shelter here. In 1940, the city municipality settled in the building.
»  The two-storey building resembles a palace with its towers and carved domes. The square in front of the building is a well-kept parking area.
»  You can see the palace and its surroundings on postcards. It is a magnificent city landmark.

» Catedral del Buen Pastor is a religious building.
»  The construction of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd lasted 9 years. Such a long period was conditioned by the lack of funding. The construction was finished in 1897.
»  The city hall allocated the land in the city specifically for it.
»  The ceremony of the laying of the first stone was visited by the royal family. The acceptance document was signed by the future King Alfonso XIII who even didn’t reach 3 years of age at that time. So, his wrist was held by the Queen.
»  Light yellow sandstone was delivered from Mount Igueldo specifically for the construction.
»  The cathedral has a total area of almost 2 000 m2.
»  The bell tower with a spire is 75 m high.
»  4 thousand worshipers can visit services here.
»  The 30-ton organ of 1954 is the biggest in Spain. It consists of 9 535 pipes. One of them is 10 m long.
»  Stained glass windows have been made by special order. The windows depict apostles or geometric objects.
»  The relics of the first priest of the church rest in the crypt here.

» The new church was built in the 15th-16th century at the site of the temple destroyed by fire. It is located in the historic quarter.
»  Over the centuries, San Vicente belonged to the other church. It gained independence in 1940.
»  In its exterior, you can see some elements of the destroyed building. Later, the covered gallery, prayer rooms, and a place for choirs were added to the main building.
»  The altar panels depict Christ. The altar was made in 1586. At the church, you can see the organ of 1868. There are wheel windows on the outer wall of the temple. The religious building is characterized by the late Gothic architectural style.
»  The inner space is divided into 3 sectors. Cross beams are attached to outbuildings and additional pedestal for worships. Tower pillars support the ceiling.
»  San Vicente is officially named The Basilica de los Santos Hermanos Martires, Vicente, Sabina y Cristeta.
»  According to the historical chronicles, martyrs Vicente, Sabina and Cristeta were sentenced to death upon the order of the Roman ruler Diocletian. They were buried in the rocky soil.