Constitution Square (San Sebastian)
Constitution Square is located in the Old Town of San Sebastian. Over the years, it has had several names, such as "Plaza Nueva" and "Plaza 18 de Julio," but colloquially, it is known as "La Plaza de la Consti."
The square, of unmistakable Neoclassical style, follows the general scheme of a Castilian square built on the grounds of another, older square. The latter was devastated after a ravenous fire during the brutal siege by Napoleonic troops in 1813.
It is a space with a long tradition, and it has been the scene of important cultural, festive and recreational events over the years, including the popular "Tamborrada" of San Sebastian or the Day of Saint Thomas. As an interesting fact, this square's balconies are numbered because they once served as boxes during bullfighting festivals.
What most architecturally characterizes this square is its wide arcades, where you can admire the major and minor arches distributed on its four sides. The central building functioned, until 1947, as the Town Hall of San Sebastian and later served as the headquarters of the Municipal Library for more than 50 years until 2000.
Due to its urban location, Constitution Square is the epicentre of social activities in San Sebastian. Over the years, it has become a mandatory stop for tourists because of the many places of interest around it, especially the many bars and restaurants where you can taste the popular Basque pintxos.
The square, of unmistakable Neoclassical style, follows the general scheme of a Castilian square built on the grounds of another, older square. The latter was devastated after a ravenous fire during the brutal siege by Napoleonic troops in 1813.
It is a space with a long tradition, and it has been the scene of important cultural, festive and recreational events over the years, including the popular "Tamborrada" of San Sebastian or the Day of Saint Thomas. As an interesting fact, this square's balconies are numbered because they once served as boxes during bullfighting festivals.
What most architecturally characterizes this square is its wide arcades, where you can admire the major and minor arches distributed on its four sides. The central building functioned, until 1947, as the Town Hall of San Sebastian and later served as the headquarters of the Municipal Library for more than 50 years until 2000.
Due to its urban location, Constitution Square is the epicentre of social activities in San Sebastian. Over the years, it has become a mandatory stop for tourists because of the many places of interest around it, especially the many bars and restaurants where you can taste the popular Basque pintxos.
Location
What to see in San Sebastian
