The Charming Old Quarter - San Sebastian - Spain
Monday, August 2, 2010
As the name suggests this is the old part of San Sebastian. It stands sandwiched between the foot of Mount Urgull and the city centre and opens out to the sea on both sides from the Plaza de Salamanca to the old Harbour area . The area was completely rebuilt after a devastating fire therefore you only a very few building s will predate 1813. This is not to say that the old Part lakes any of the charms you would expect from an old fishing village. Soak up the atmosphere whilst walking around the cobbled streets and narrow alleys discovering some of the best Pintxo ( tapas ) bars , Restaurants and speciality shops that San Sebastian has to offer.
To the north of the old part is Mount Urgull, a demanding climb to the top is well worth the effort as you will be treated to an exhilarating view over the city and the Castillo de la Mota ( The Mota Castle ). On the west side of the mount are located the Cementario de los Ingleses ( The English Cemetery ) the Museo Militar ( Military Museum the Aquarium which has a glass tunnel walkway where you enjoy a 360 degree view of the marine life, and the Navel Museum which is located slightly north of the Royal Nautical Club.
If you enjoy walking around local indoor food markets as I do then I would recommend a visit to the Mercado de la Bretxa situated just off the Avenida del Boulevard there you will find many colourful stalls full of all the fine produce the area has to offer.
Two of the cities oldest churches can be found in the old quarter, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro and the Convent of San Telmo which now acts as a Museum.
At the centre of the Parte Vieja is the beautiful Plaza de la Constitucion where the main cities festivities take place and is fondly known as " La Consti " by the locals. The plaza used to be the bull ring in the middle ages and is surrounded by buildings with large white painted balconies , which are numbered and where the spectators could easily view the fight.
Roaming around the Old Part you will undoubtedly soak up the oldy worldly charm and enjoy the unmistakable atmosphere of an area that is invariable steeped in history and has seen so much activity and festivities yet still manages to continue with its traditional local life.
There are some charming Hotels and Hostels located in the old part of San Sebastian. The Pension San Juan comes highly rated, it is located in the 'Old Town' between the beaches of San Sebastian, La Concha and Zurriola (Gros) the 'surf beach' ( 3 min. walking each one ).
There are Hotels in and around the old quarter to suit all pockets and tastes including the impressive 5 star Hotel Maria Cristina located opposite San Sebastian’s Victoria Eugenia Theatre, with views over the Cantabrian Sea and Urumea River. Decorated in classic Belle Époque style, it features a luxurious spa.
Other fine hotels in the area include the Hotel Astoria , the NH Aranzazu , and the modest but great value Pension Iturriza .
Food in San Sebastian ( Donostia )
Thursday, August 30, 2007Gary
http://spainguides.com/sansebastian.food.html
