San Sebastian 2018/2019 Guide

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DONOSTIA / SAN SEBASTIAN: COMPLETE WORKS

BRIDGES An intriguing blend of architectural styles awaits you on the banks of the River Urumea: ranging from baroque and more traditional styles to a demonstration of the simplicity of minimalism. The ZURRIOLA BRIDGE [ 14 ] , the nearest to the sea, was built in 1921 and is famous for its fabulous art deco lamp posts. the SANTA CATALINA BRIDGE [ 15 ] was the first to be built in the city, using wood. And the MARÍA CRISTINA BRIDGE [ 16 ] dates from 1905 and features four monumental obelisks.

RATIONALISM In San Sebastian, there are outstanding examples of this style, typical of the 1920s and 1930s. The CLUB NÁUTICO [ 12 ] (Yacht Club) is one of the most striking: a boat moored in the dock, built in 1928 by the architects José Manuel Aizpurua and Joaquín Labayen. The EQUITATIVA [ 13 ] building is another rationalist gem, in its expressionist form, in an exceptional setting at the entrance to the Gros district.

CONVERTED INTO MUSEUMS Among other things, Donostia/ San Sebastian’s ongoing devotion to culture has led to the architectural conversion of old buildings. This is the case of the TABAKALERA [ 17 ] , the former tobacco factory which was converted into what is now an International Centre for Contemporary Culture whose interior and terrace with a panoramic view are worth a visit. And SAN TELMO MUSEUM [ 18 ] , a Dominican convent from the 16th century that has been renovated and extended with a modern building.

WHATTODO CULTURE

The architecture in Donostia/San Sebastian includes works of many styles but unquestionable quality. The Belle Époque left an impressive legacy of elegant aristocratic buildings, with a prominent French-influenced style. But there are many more: fine examples of rationalism, prestigious contemporary works and splendid bridges and palaces all make up a complete selection that is well worth visiting.

SAN TELMO (18)

STA. CATALINA BRIDGE (15) , WITH THE EQUITATIVA BUILDING (13) ON THE LEFT.

MARIA CRISTINA HOTEL (3) AND VICTORIA EUGENIA THEATRE (2), WITH THE ZURRIOLA BRIDGE (14) IN THE FOREGROUND

San Vicente Church

San Telmo

Victoria Eugenia Theatre

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BELLE ÉPOQUE ROMANTIC AREA In 1893, Queen María Cristina started spending her summers in the city, and she was joined by much of the European aristocracy. This brought San Sebastian fortune, distinction and an impressive series of stately buildings with a marked French style. The CITY HALL [ 1 ] that was a casino from when it was built in 1897 until 1924. The VICTORIA EUGENIA THEATRE [ 2 ] , from 1912, of sandstone and decorated in the Plateresque style. And the splendorous MARÍA CRISTINA HOTE L [ 3 ] , work of the architecture Charles Mewes, who was also responsible for the Ritz hotels in Madrid and Paris, all splendid examples from that golden era. Other examples from that period are the PROVINCIAL COUNCIL PALACE [ 4 ] , in Gipuzkoa Square, the KOLDO MITXELENA CULTURA L CENTRE [ 5 ] the PERLA SPA [ 6 ] built in 1912 and considered one of the most beautiful from the period, and the FUNICULAR STATION [ 7 ]

CONTEMPORARYWORK San Sebastian has excellent examples of contemporary architecture. For example, the KURSAAL’ s two “beached rocks” [ 8 ] , by Rafael Moneo, awarded with the Mies van der Rohe award for architecture. He was also responsible for the IESU CHURCH [ 9 ] . Or there’s also the BASQUE CULINARY CENTER [ 10 ] , the centre for Higher Gastronomical Studies, with the appearance of stacked dishes. And the Higher School of Music, MUSIKENE [ 11 ] , opened in 2016 and inspired by a grand piano.

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Kursaal

Gros

Basílica of Santa María

Old Town

Zurriola Bridge

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Constitución Square

2

Equitativa

Gipuzkoa Square

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13

Club Náutico

1

12

4

15

Maria Cristina Hotel

City Hall

Sta. Catalina Bridge

Provincial Council Palace

ROMANTIC AREA

Egia

7

María Cristina Bridge

Funicular Station

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Buen Pastor

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Tabakalera

Centre

La Perla

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6

Koldo Mitxelena

Antiguo

Mundaiz Bridge

Iesu Church

Jose Antonio Agirre Bridge

Basque Culinary Center 10

Musikene

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MUSIKENE (11)

HOME OF THE BASQUE CULINARY CENTER (10) , IN MIRAMON.