"Donostia" Top 5 Page for this destination San Sebastián by andal13

San Sebastián Travel Guide: 304 reviews and 800 photos

Meet the Cantabrian Sea

Donostia (San Sebastián), holds the Kontxa Bay in its arms; on the right hand, is Mount Urgull; on the left, Mount Igueldo; in the middle of the bay, there is an island (Santa Clara). On Mount Urgull top there is a 12th century castle, and from there you have a beautiful sight.
The bay has two beachs, Kontxa (or Concha) and Ondarrieta, and all along the seaside there are some nice houses, the most important one is Palacio Miramar.
San Sebastián has a nice Old City, at the base of Mount Urgull. Across the Urumea river there is another beach (Zurriola) where is the famous Kursaal Congress Palace.

Donostia (San Sebastián) rodea a la Bahía de la Kontxa entre sus brazos; a mano derecha está el Monte Urgull; a la izquierda, el Monte Igueldo; en el medio de la bahía hay una isla (Santa Clara). En la cima del Monte Urgull hay un castillo del siglo XII, y desde allí se tiene una magnífica vista.
La bahía tiene dos playas, Kontxa (o Concha) y Ondarrieta, y a lo largo de la costa hay una serie de casonas, la más importante de las cuales es el Palacio Miramar.
San Sebastián tiene un barrio antiguo encantador, a los pies del Monte Urgull. Al otro lado del río Urumea hay otra playa, Zurriola, en donde se encuentra el famoso Palacio de Congresos Kursaal.

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Wind comb

"Wind comb" by Chillida

He converted iron into wind

"Eduardo Chillida was the goalkeeper of Real Sociedad, at Basque city of San Sebastián.Tall, wiry, he had a very proper way of playing, and Barcelona club and Real Madrid pretended him. The experts said that boy would inherit Zamora.
But the destiny had other plans. In 1943, a rival forward, named Sañudo for any reason, broke his menisci and everything else. After five operations on his knee, Chillida say football goodbye and he had no other option than become a sculptor.
This is the way that one of the greatest artis of this century was born. Chillida works with heavy materiales, of those that go under the earth, but his mighty hands throw away iron and concrete into the air, which flying discover other spaces and create other dimensions. Playing football, previously, he did the same with his body."
Eduardo Galeano, "El fútbol a sol y sombra" (Uruguayan)

Eduardo Chillida was a sculptor born in San Sebastián. His most famous work is the "Wind comb", situated on the rocks at the base of Mount Igueldo, over the sea.

Convirtió el hierro en viento

"Eduardo Chillida era guardameta de la Real Sociedad, en la ciudad vasca de San Sebastián. Alto, enjuto, tenía una manera muy propia de atajar, y ya el club Barcelona y el Real Madrid le habían echado el ojo. Decían los expertos que ese muchacho iba a heredar a Zamora.
Pero otros planes tenía el destino. En 1943, un delantero rival, que por algo se llamaba Sañudo, le rompió los meniscos y todo lo demás. Al cabo de cinco operaciones en la rodilla, Chillida dijo adiós al fútbol y no tuvo más remedio que hacerse escultor.
Así nació uno de los grandes artistas de este siglo. Chillida trabaja con materiales pesados, de esos que se hunden en la tierra, pero sus manos poderosas arrojan al aire el hierro y el hormigón, que volando descubren otros espacios y crean otras dimensiones. Antes, en el fútbol, él hacía lo mismo con su cuerpo."
Eduardo Galeano, "El fútbol a sol y sombra" (Uruguayo)

Eduardo Chillida fue un escultor nacido en San Sebastián. Sus obras más famosas son los "Peines de viento", situdos en las rocas de la base del Monte Igueldo, sobre el mar.

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By the sea

Women repairing fishing nets

San Sebastián has a small port close to Mount Urgull; there is an interesting naval museum and a small but attractive aquarium. Along the dock there are some small restaurants where you find excellent sea-food.

San Sebastián tiene un puertito cerca del Monte Urgull; allí hay un interesante museo naval y un pequeño pero muy atractivo acuario. A lo largo del muelle hay varios restaurantes que sirven excelentes mariscos y pescados.

Last visit to San Sebastián: Jan 2002
Intro Updated Aug 11, 2003
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Reviews (13)

Bridges (2) Things to Do (11)

Another beautiful bridge is María Cristina, which has prettified towers at each end (the bridge, not María... more travel advice

Bridges (1) Things to Do (11)

Several bridges cross river Urumea... One of them is Zurriola Bridge (close to river's mouth) in front of Palace of... more travel advice

Street lamps Things to Do (11)

At Alderdi-Eder Park, by the sea side, there are these magnificent street lamps, among those odd trees that look like... more travel advice

Zurriola Off The Beaten Path (1)

Zurriola is another beautiful beach, situated "behind" the old city, between river Urumea and Mount Ulía; famous Palace... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
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Comments (20)

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wandeljp Dec 31, 2011 at 2:36 AM

I'm looking forwards to this place. It's one step on our way to Santiago de Compostella. (Camino del Norte)
Good tips !
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lomi Jul 13, 2010 at 8:14 AM

Great tips. I am visiting Donostia in August to see for myself! Eskerrick asko!
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ncfg Aug 10, 2004 at 12:48 PM

Beautiful place ! Nice page :-)
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Bwana_Brown Aug 4, 2004 at 2:36 AM

An interesting looking little seaside city! Those caducous trees along the waterfront really are very unique in appearance!
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Jmill42 Mar 22, 2004 at 10:43 AM

Had a fabulous day trip here; loved the park as much as you did. To bad I didn't have the time to see all you did... Great page!
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Johnny_CA Dec 2, 2003 at 7:31 PM

Is San Sebastian looking for a messed-up Caballero?!
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globetrott Aug 15, 2003 at 2:41 PM

What a lovely place and great pics !
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micas_pt Aug 13, 2003 at 4:07 PM

Looks like a great place! Loved your photos and ingo. Thanks.
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sof76 Aug 11, 2003 at 10:13 AM

GREAT page as all you have!!!
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herzog63 Jul 31, 2003 at 7:34 AM

The Caducous trees look very interesting! San Sebastian sounds lovely! Wonderful page!