At the base of Monte Urgull is Jorge Oteiza’s Construcción Vacía (Empty Space) sculpture. Oteiza (1908–2003) was a renowned painter, sculptor and writer who was born and brought up close to San Sebastián. An award winner at the 1957 São Paulo Biennale, the rust-red work looks best on a dark and stormy day or at sunset.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Aquarium

0.12 MILES

Fear for your life as huge sharks bear down behind glass panes, or gaze at otherworldly jellyfish. The highlights of a visit to the city's excellent…

2. Monte Urgull

0.16 MILES

You can walk to the summit of Monte Urgull (123m), topped by the low castle walls of the Castillo de la Mota and a grand statue of Christ, by taking a…

3. Museo Marítimo Vasco

0.18 MILES

This museum turns the pages of Basque seafaring and naval history. There is no permanent collection, just long-term exhibitions, which in the past have…

4. Casa de la Historia

0.21 MILES

Inside the grounds of the Castillo de la Mota is this small museum focusing on the city’s history. It has audiovisual exhibits that touch on San Sebastián…

5. Castillo de la Mota

0.21 MILES

At the summit of Monte Urgull, this stone fortress is but the latest incarnation of many fortifications that have existed here since the 12th century. It…

6. Isla de Santa Clara

0.32 MILES

Lying 750m offshore from Playa de la Concha, this little island is accessible by Motoras de la Isla boats that run every half-hour from the fishing port…

7. Basílica de Santa María del Coro

0.35 MILES

The Parte Vieja's most photogenic building is this baroque basilica, completed in 1774. Its ornate facade depicts St Sebastian and the altarpiece is…

8. Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián

0.4 MILES

Up by the harbour at the northeastern end of the beach, the Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián was built in 1928 in a rationalist style. Appropriately…