The English-style royal summer palace of 1893 on the hill between La Concha and Ondarreta.
Miramar Palace was built as the summer residence of Queen Maria Cristina after the death of her husband Alfonso XII, who died in 1885, and was completed in 1893 to a design by the English architect Ralph Selden Wornum. The royal family's regular summers in San Sebastian brought the court, the nobility and a boom in hotels, casinos and sea baths, the Belle Epoque that shaped the city. The palace later passed to the Borbon family and was bought by the city council in the early 1970s. It now hosts events and courses. The gardens, attributed to the gardener Pierre Ducasse, are open to the public and give wide views over La Concha. The palace is one of the best places to understand how a fishing and fortress town became a seaside resort for royalty.
| Admission | Gardens free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Gardens open in daylight hours; interior used for events |
| Address | Paseo de Miraconcha, 20007 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Why it matters
Completed in 1893 as the royal summer residence of Queen Maria Cristina, the palace symbolises the arrival of the Spanish court that made San Sebastian fashionable.
Location
Paseo de Miraconcha, 20007 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3175, -1.9987 View on map
Highlights
- Royal summer residence of 1893
- Gardens with views over La Concha
- English-cottage architecture
- Symbol of the Belle Epoque boom
Tips for visiting
- Visit the gardens in late afternoon.
- Check events before expecting interior access.
- Combine with the promenade walk.
- Read the information panels in the gardens.
- Bring a picnic.
When to visit
Late afternoon.
Accessibility
Slopes and some steps in the gardens.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Who built Miramar?
It was built for Queen Maria Cristina and completed in 1893.
Who designed it?
The English architect Ralph Selden Wornum.
Can I go inside?
Only for events; the gardens are open.