The wooded hill above the old town, crowned by the castle of La Mota, which has 12th-century origins, with the Sacred Heart statue, old cannons and sea views.
Monte Urgull is the green hill that shelters the Parte Vieja from the north. The Castle of La Mota at the summit has its origins in the 12th century, although the present fortifications date largely from the 17th to 19th centuries. Inside the castle, a small museum called the Casa de la Historia de Urgull uses audiovisuals, models and objects to tell the 800-plus-year story of the city, including the siege of 1813 that destroyed the old town. A statue of the Sacred Heart over 12 metres tall has crowned the summit since 1950, with a chapel in its base. The paths cross the slopes past old walls, bastions, cannons and the so-called English cemetery, a small burial ground whose exact origins are unclear. Panoramic views open to the bay, the Cantabrian Sea and Monte Igueldo, and on the north side the Paseo Nuevo runs along the cliff base. The hill is closed at night, with posted closing times, so plan to be down before dusk. Footwear with grip helps on damp stone steps.
| Admission | Park free; admission to the castle museum Casa de la Historia not confirmed, reported as free in some guides |
|---|---|
| Hours | Park open 1 May-30 September 08:00-21:00 and 1 October-30 April 08:00-19:30; castle museum hours not confirmed, ask at the tourism office |
| Typical visit | 1.5-2.5 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon for sunset; avoid after dark as the park closes |
| Getting there | Four paths climb from the Basilica of Santa Maria area, opposite the San Telmo Museum, from Paseo Nuevo and from Plaza Zuloaga; allow 20-30 minutes up on foot |
| Address | Monte Urgull, access from Paseo Nuevo or Plaza Zuloaga, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Location
Monte Urgull, access from Paseo Nuevo or Plaza Zuloaga, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3256, -1.9877 View on map
Highlights
- Castle of La Mota and the Casa de la Historia de Urgull
- Sacred Heart statue at the summit
- Cannons, bastions and the English cemetery
- Views over La Concha, the harbour and the open sea
Tips for visiting
- Wear shoes with grip; the steps are uneven and damp after rain.
- Check the closing time at the entrances and be down before it.
- Combine with the Paseo Nuevo sea-wall walk for a loop.
- Ask at the tourism office about the museum's hours, as they were not confirmed.
- Bring water in summer; there are few services on the hill.
When to visit
Late afternoon for the light; clear days for the views.
Accessibility
The paths are steep with steps and uneven surfaces; there is no full step-free route to the summit.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Monte Urgull free?
Entry to the hill is free. The museum in the castle has its own hours and conditions, to be confirmed locally.
How long does the climb take?
About 20 to 30 minutes on foot from the old town, depending on the path and pace.
Can I walk it at night?
No. The hill closes at night, at 21:00 in summer and 19:30 from October to April.