La Mota Castle (San Sebastian)
La Mota Castle is located high on the summit of Mount Urgull and was once an important military fortress. It was built in the 12th century by the order of Sancho VI of Navarra to protect the newly founded seaport of San Sebastian from attack by enemies of the crown.
In the following centuries, the castle demonstrated its usefulness and importance when it faced Portuguese and French troops during the War of Independence or domestic enemies during the Carlist Wars.
It is an important building that was the scene of countless historical events and that, over the centuries, underwent continuous changes, reforms and restructuring—a fact evidenced by continuous archaeological and historical studies.
Throughout the centuries, the castle lost its formidable Homage Tower, as well as an access barbican. However, the most dramatic event of all was when lightning struck its powder magazine in 1575 and set the building on fire. The fortress had to undergo a profound restoration during the 18th century.
With the arrival of the 20th century, La Mota Castle lost its usefulness and influence and was abandoned until the 1960s. At that point, it underwent a thorough restoration to return it to its magnificence and splendour.
Thanks to these interventions, La Mota Castle not only recovered its brilliance but was also transformed into an institution for cultural use, thereby receiving the declaration of Historical-Artistic Monument in 1921.
In the following centuries, the castle demonstrated its usefulness and importance when it faced Portuguese and French troops during the War of Independence or domestic enemies during the Carlist Wars.
It is an important building that was the scene of countless historical events and that, over the centuries, underwent continuous changes, reforms and restructuring—a fact evidenced by continuous archaeological and historical studies.
Throughout the centuries, the castle lost its formidable Homage Tower, as well as an access barbican. However, the most dramatic event of all was when lightning struck its powder magazine in 1575 and set the building on fire. The fortress had to undergo a profound restoration during the 18th century.
With the arrival of the 20th century, La Mota Castle lost its usefulness and influence and was abandoned until the 1960s. At that point, it underwent a thorough restoration to return it to its magnificence and splendour.
Thanks to these interventions, La Mota Castle not only recovered its brilliance but was also transformed into an institution for cultural use, thereby receiving the declaration of Historical-Artistic Monument in 1921.
Location
What to see in San Sebastian
