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Monte Urgull and Mota Castle
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Towering over the city center, Monte Urgull offers magnificent views in all directions. We are going to walk to the summit via the path behind the aquarium. It is not an arduous walk by any means but do wear athletic and/or flat heeled shoes and remember to watch your step as photographing every vista can be a bit distracting.
The hill and Castillo de la Mota has always played a prominent role in the defense of Donostia from the earliest days. The castle itself dates from the 12th century. In the 16th century, with the advent of the modern state boundaries, the castle, walls and military structures consisting of headquarters, barracks and warehouses were reinforced.
In 1794 Monte Urgull witnessed the first capitulation of the city into French hands. Then in 1813 citizens looked on powerless, as fire resulting from the battle between French troops and the Anglo-Portuguese army razed the city to the ground. Yet again the hill and the castle were refortified to face the assaults of the Carlist Wars in 1823, 1836 and 1876.
Today Monte Urgull plays a more peaceful role. The entire area is a vast tree-covered public park with pleasant promenades and picturesque military structures reminiscent of other times. Visitors are encouraged to wander up the stairs and down the pathways to really get a sense of what life was like many centuries ago.
On top of Monte Urgull, ever-vigilant and protecting the city is an immense 39.4 feet (12 meters) high statue of Jesus Christ or Christ of La Mota (Cristo de la Mota). The statue, by artist Federico Coullaut (1950), can be seen from four miles out at sea.
Within the castle is the Casa de la Historia that is dedicated to the city’s history and worth a brief visit.
Take as much time as you want to capture the spectacular views of the Bay of Biscay and the coast of Gipuzkoa; Isla Santa Clara, the island in the bay considered San Sebastián’s fourth beach; La Concha and Ondarreta beaches; Monte Igueldo; both Parte Vieja and Centro Romántico, and our final destination, Zurriola Beach across the Urumea River.
We will be walking down the north side of Monte Urgull to get to Zurriola with a stop along the way to see the English Cemetery, opened in 1924, in honor of the Englishmen who helped the Donostians during the Carlist War of 1833-1840.
Casa de la Historia hours of operation: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 2pm (14:00) and from 3pm (15:00) to 5.30pm (17:30)
Closed during the winter and all Mondays and Tuesdays.
Entry is free.
The hill and Castillo de la Mota has always played a prominent role in the defense of Donostia from the earliest days. The castle itself dates from the 12th century. In the 16th century, with the advent of the modern state boundaries, the castle, walls and military structures consisting of headquarters, barracks and warehouses were reinforced.
In 1794 Monte Urgull witnessed the first capitulation of the city into French hands. Then in 1813 citizens looked on powerless, as fire resulting from the battle between French troops and the Anglo-Portuguese army razed the city to the ground. Yet again the hill and the castle were refortified to face the assaults of the Carlist Wars in 1823, 1836 and 1876.
Today Monte Urgull plays a more peaceful role. The entire area is a vast tree-covered public park with pleasant promenades and picturesque military structures reminiscent of other times. Visitors are encouraged to wander up the stairs and down the pathways to really get a sense of what life was like many centuries ago.
On top of Monte Urgull, ever-vigilant and protecting the city is an immense 39.4 feet (12 meters) high statue of Jesus Christ or Christ of La Mota (Cristo de la Mota). The statue, by artist Federico Coullaut (1950), can be seen from four miles out at sea.
Within the castle is the Casa de la Historia that is dedicated to the city’s history and worth a brief visit.
Take as much time as you want to capture the spectacular views of the Bay of Biscay and the coast of Gipuzkoa; Isla Santa Clara, the island in the bay considered San Sebastián’s fourth beach; La Concha and Ondarreta beaches; Monte Igueldo; both Parte Vieja and Centro Romántico, and our final destination, Zurriola Beach across the Urumea River.
We will be walking down the north side of Monte Urgull to get to Zurriola with a stop along the way to see the English Cemetery, opened in 1924, in honor of the Englishmen who helped the Donostians during the Carlist War of 1833-1840.
Casa de la Historia hours of operation: Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am to 2pm (14:00) and from 3pm (15:00) to 5.30pm (17:30)
Closed during the winter and all Mondays and Tuesdays.
Entry is free.
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