San Sebastian's neo-Gothic cathedral, with a slender spire that dominates the Centro district.
The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Catedral del Buen Pastor) is the seat of the Diocese of San Sebastian and the tallest church in the city, in the centre of the 19th-century Ensanche. It was built in the neo-Gothic style by the architect Manuel de Echave and consecrated in 1897, with a spire of around 75 metres. The facade is richly decorated, and the interior has tall slender columns, stained glass and a spacious nave. The cathedral sits on a square in the grid of streets designed during the expansion of the city after the walls were removed. Visitors can walk in quietly during open hours, when no ceremony is under way. Sources disagree on hours, so check the board at the entrance. Combine a visit with a stroll along the Calle Loyola pedestrian street and the Boulevard, or continue to the Parte Vieja.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Reported open morning and evening around 08:30-12:30 and 17:00-20:00 on weekdays; other sources differ; closed to sightseers during Mass; confirm locally |
| Typical visit | 20-40 minutes |
| Best time | Morning outside Mass or late afternoon |
| Getting there | Walk 10 minutes from the Boulevard or the Alderdi Eder gardens; central location in the Centro district |
| Address | Plaza del Buen Pastor, 20005 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Location
Plaza del Buen Pastor, 20005 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3173, -1.9808 View on map
Highlights
- Neo-Gothic facade and tall spire
- Stained glass and columns in the nave
- Ensanche streets around the square
- Close to Calle Loyola and the Boulevard
Tips for visiting
- Check the hours at the door.
- Avoid Mass times when visiting as a tourist.
- Look up at the spire from the square.
- Combine with Calle Loyola for shopping.
- Dress modestly.
When to visit
Mornings outside services.
Accessibility
The main entrance is step-free from the square; confirm side-chapel access locally.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is entry free?
Yes.
Who designed it?
Manuel de Echave, in neo-Gothic style; consecrated in 1897.
How long is a visit?
About 20 to 40 minutes.