Page 140 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Northern Spain

138  NOR THERN SP AIN REGION B Y REGION

de la Mota, which houses a
small museum dedicated to the
city’s history. The building also
accommo dates three chapels,
including one dedicated to the
Cristo de la Mota. Above this
chapel rises a huge statue of
Christ – the Sagrado Corazón.
E Museo Naval & Aquarium
Museum: Paseo del Muelle 24. Tel 943
43 00 51. Open 10am–2pm & 4–7pm
Tue–Sat, 11am–2pm Sun. & (free
The tortoise-shaped island of Santa Clara with the city in the background Thu) 8 = ∑ untzimuseoa.eus
Aquarium: Plaza Carlos Blasco Imaz.
Exploring San Sebastián city’s patron – the Black Tel 943 44 00 99. Open Oct–Mar:
The most interesting parts of Madonna and Child, known 10am–7pm Mon–Fri, 10am–8pm Sat,
the city are the Old Town and as the Virgen del Coro. Sun & hols; Apr–Jun & Sep: 10am–
8pm Mon–Fri, 10am–9pm Sat; Jul–
Monte Urgull, the spectacular The main axis of the Old Town Aug: 10am–9pm daily. & 8
bay and seafront promenade is the Calle Mayor. At one end of ∑ aquariumss.com
with its hugely popular beaches it stands the church of Santa
of La Concha and Ondarreta, María, and at the other the The Maritime Museum, housed
and Monte Igueldo, on top of cathedral of Buen Pastor. in an 18th-century port build-
which stands a lighthouse. All Another important site is ing, is devoted to the seafaring
of these sites can be visited on the Plaza de la Constitución, a life of the Basque people. The
foot. The summits of the two handsome arcaded square also display illustrates shipbuilding,
hills are well worth the climb. known as the Consti. Bullfights the evolution of ports and the
used to occur here, and today development of commerce,
L Bahía de la Concha fiestas are held. The Old Town and includes a collection of
Between Monte Urgull and is packed with bars serving navigational instruments.
Monte Igueldo, along the Paseo delicious pintxos. In the nearby aquarium
de la Concha promenade, visitors can walk through an
extend two beaches – the underwater tunnel while
smaller and more fashionable viewing sea creatures in their
Playa Ondarreta, and the larger natural environment.
Playa de la Concha. The beaches
are divided by a curious rock R Iglesia de Santa María
formation, on which rises the del Coro
Palacio de Miramar, a palace Dedicated to the city’s patron
with carefully maintained saint, this church contains a
gardens. There are excellent figure of the Black Madonna.
views of the bay and the island According to legend, a certain
of Santa Clara from here. monk – exhausted by having to
Nearby is Eduardo Chillida’s climb into the choir to worship
series of sculptures The Comb the figure – attempted to take it
of the Winds. The huge russet- home with him. He hid the figure
coloured claws com plement under his habit and tried to leave,
the grey rock and emerald sea. but discovered he was unable to
A street in the Parte Vieja leading to Santa cross the threshold of the church.
P Old Town María del Coro Only when he returned the figure
Following a fire in 1813, the to its right ful place was he able to
Old Town was reconstructed Y Monte Urgull leave. Today, it is on the high altar.
in a Neo-Classical style while Criss-crossed by parkland paths, The current church dates from
preserving the medieval street Monte Urgull is an ideal place for the 18th century. Designed by the
plan. The Parte Vieja is the a stroll. Within its perimeter is architects Lizardi and Ibero, it
veritable heart of the old city. the Cementerio de los Ingleses, combines elements of Gothic,
Its inhabitants are divided into a cemetery dedicated to the Churri gueresque and Neo-
the Joshemaritarras – those English who perished while Classicism. The Baroque façade,
born in the vicinity of the trying to capture the city from with two towers, a clock and a
Gothic church of San Vicente – the French in 1813; today, it is figure of St Sebastian, faces Calle
and the Koxkeros – those born one of the most serene and Mayor. Inside is an alabaster
in the vicinity of the church pleasant spots on the hill. The cross by Eduardo Chillida and a
of Santa María. In the latter summit is occupied by the 16th- Cavaillé-Coll organ from 1863.
church is a sculpture of the century fortress of Santa Cruz Concerts are held regularly.
For hotels and restaurants see pp205–6 and pp219–21

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