A City of Rich History & Culture...
The city of San Sebastián (Donostia in the Basque language) is located in the north of Spain, a mere 12 miles from the border of France. This beautiful coastal city is in the heart of the Spanish Basque Country (El Pais Vasco). It is a very unique resort community as the center of the city is situated directly on the expansive La Concha Bay, enveloping two large beaches, Playa de Ondaretta and Playa de La Concha. The picturesque shoreline is also enveloped by accessible hills, including Urgull (at the heart of the city by the seashore), Mount Ulia extending east, Mount Adarra on the south, and Igeldo, overlooking the bay from the west. The climate is considered to be oceanic, with warm summers and temperate winters.
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Ayuntamiento (City Hall)
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,The city is rich with history and culture, as many of the historical structures date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. For many years the Spanish monarchy (dating back to Queen Isabel II) chose to make their summer residence in San Sebastián due to the beautiful beaches and climate. While the this Spanish port has had a long and interesting history (including the burning of the city in 1813), the essence of the city is tied to the Basque people. The Basque people are intensely proud of their culture and heritage, and the language and traditions remain strong. It is very common to hear the Basque language (Euskera) spoken on the streets and it is also taught in schools. However, Spanish is still the predominant language and is the language of commerce in the region. With its population of 186,000, San Sebastián is considered to be a moderate-sized European city. It is clean, safe, and very accessible, as most attractions may be reached on foot. There is also a transit system available.
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San Sebastián is also known as being a hub for arts and culture. In fact, in 2016 the city was named as a European Center of Culture by the E.U.. This designation is understandable, with the annual International Film Festival and Jazz Festival being highlighted events for the city, along with housing the Museo San Telmo, the largest museum highlighting Basque culture. The city has several large celebrations throughout the year to commemorate key events in Basque history. During the beginning of each September, events such as such as performances of improvising poets, Basque pelota games, stone lifting contests, and dance exhibitions occur. The events culminate in a regatta, where row teams from different towns of the Bay of Biscay compete for the Flag of La Concha. La Parte Vieja (Old Town) section of the city is a very popular spot for tourists as it is filled with shops and restaurants. The city also has an outstanding culinary reputation, as the restaurants are known for serving speciality pintxos, or small tapas plates suitable for sharing.