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Catedral del Buen Pastor, San Sebastian

12 Urdaneta Kalea, Donostia, Euskadi

Description

The Catedral del Buen Pastor de San Sebastián (Cathedral of the Good Shepherd) was built in Neo-Gothic style in the late 19th century. Its main architectural and artistic features are the central spire that reaches a height of 75m (in a profile reminiscent of French and German medieval churches), its highly ornate façade, and the stained-glass windows - in particular the set of seven double windows of the apse.

Access & Transport

The church is in the centre of the city, 300m south of Gipuzkoa Plaza and across the Maria Cristina bridge from the main train station. There is an underground car park next to the monument. San Sebastian is quite easy to get to by car from Bilbao or France (only 20km across the border). The nearest airport bears the name of the city but is actually next to Irun, at the French border, just across Hendaye. The next closest is Bilbao.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity with a visit of the old town, a 10mins walk to the north and/or a promenade alongside the Concha beach.

Meta review

The cathedral is generally listed among the monuments worth visiting in San Sebastian but without strong conviction. Online reviews are the same and comment favourably on both the main needle that can be seen far in the distance with a marked contrast to the surrounding modern buildings, and the stained-glass windows. A few mentions of the nice statues as well but not much else.

Environmental & Social

No carbon footprint. Part of the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

Having been commissioned relatively recently, the interior of the cathedral is not as lavishly decorated as the best-known cathedrals in the country. Not necessarily a bad thing for a religious building in our opinion, but that means the tourist value isn't particularly high. Worth a look for those passing in the area.

Key positive

Impressive and photogenic façade

Centrally located with other attractions nearby

Key negative

The interior lacks character

Suitability

Accessible for wheelchair users via a ramp but note that the door is heavy so assistance may be required

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours
Period 1

MONDAY07:30 - 14:00

TUESDAY07:30 - 14:00

WEDNESDAY07:30 - 14:00

THURSDAY07:30 - 14:00

FRIDAY07:30 - 14:00

SATURDAY07:30 - 14:00

SUNDAY07:30 - 14:00

Period 2

MONDAY16:00 - 20:00

TUESDAY16:00 - 20:00

WEDNESDAY16:00 - 20:00

THURSDAY16:00 - 20:00

FRIDAY16:00 - 20:00

SATURDAY16:00 - 20:00

SUNDAY16:00 - 20:00

Pricing
Free

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