San Sebastian
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is the capital city of the province of Guipúzcoa, in the Spanish autonomous community of Basque Country. Its population is 178,017 (2001 estimate).
The city is located in the northeast of Spain, on the Bay of Biscay, close to the French border. San Sebastian's picturesque coastline makes it a popular beach resort.
History
c. 1180 Donostia awarded status as fuero by King of Navarre
1807 Napoleonic forces capture San Sebastian
1813 Siege of San Sebastian results in destruction by fire of city
1863 City walls demolished; expansion of city begins
1937 Province falls to fascist forces
Landmarks
Monte Igueldo
Monte Urgull
Museo de San Telmo
Palacio de Miramar
Recreation
San Sebastián/Donostia is the home city of the Primera División football club Real Sociedad.
Culture
Every year on January 20th the people of San Sebastián celebrate a festival known as the Tamborrada. On midnight in the Constitution plaza in the old city, the leader of the festival raises the flag of San Sebastián, and for 24 hours the entire city is awash with the sound of drums.
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