San Sebastian City Hall
The headquarters of San Sebastian City Hall is a splendid building built during the 19th century. It was once the Grand Casino of Donostia from 1887 to 1924. After that, it became the property of the city council and, from 1947, became the city's town hall.
The origins of this beautiful building date back to the mid-19th century, when Isabella II began to regularly visit San Sebastian in the summer to improve her health. These trips increased the city's popularity among the aristocracy, turning it into a top tourist destination. Its popularity was further increased by dynamic modernization and the arrival of the Belle Époque.
After the walls were demolished in 1863, San Sebastian experienced a moment of splendour with the construction of large and lavish hotels, new theatres, and many restaurants and commercial establishments. This necessitated a recreational complex to attract more tourists. Thus, the Grand Casino of Donostia project was born.
To make the ambitious project a reality, the tandem of famous architects Morales de los Ríos and Luis Aladrén were hired. They designed an interesting and monumental area in the Alderdi-Eder gardens next to La Concha Bay. After its inauguration in 1887, the Grand Casino of Donostia became one of the most popular places in Europe.
After gambling was prohibited in 1924, the casino was renovated in 1943 to adapt to bureaucratic and administrative functions while preserving its beauty and fascinating exterior. These have made it a mandatory stop among tourists visiting San Sebastian.
The origins of this beautiful building date back to the mid-19th century, when Isabella II began to regularly visit San Sebastian in the summer to improve her health. These trips increased the city's popularity among the aristocracy, turning it into a top tourist destination. Its popularity was further increased by dynamic modernization and the arrival of the Belle Époque.
After the walls were demolished in 1863, San Sebastian experienced a moment of splendour with the construction of large and lavish hotels, new theatres, and many restaurants and commercial establishments. This necessitated a recreational complex to attract more tourists. Thus, the Grand Casino of Donostia project was born.
To make the ambitious project a reality, the tandem of famous architects Morales de los Ríos and Luis Aladrén were hired. They designed an interesting and monumental area in the Alderdi-Eder gardens next to La Concha Bay. After its inauguration in 1887, the Grand Casino of Donostia became one of the most popular places in Europe.
After gambling was prohibited in 1924, the casino was renovated in 1943 to adapt to bureaucratic and administrative functions while preserving its beauty and fascinating exterior. These have made it a mandatory stop among tourists visiting San Sebastian.
Location
What to see in San Sebastian
