Miramar Palace in San Sebastian

The Miramar Palace in San Sebastian , built in 1893 by order of Queen Maria Christina of Austria, is an architectural gem that is a must-see if you are visiting the city of San Sebastian. Located between the beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta, this English-style palace offers stunning views and magnificent gardens.

This palace has centuries of history behind it, with incredible anecdotes, such as being the summer residence of the Spanish royal family, which adds a special charm. Without a doubt, the Miramar Palace is a must-see for those who wish to discover the cultural and scenic essence of San Sebastian.

History of the Miramar Palace in San Sebastian

The Miramar Palace, situated in a privileged location between the beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta in San Sebastian, is a symbol of 19th century elegance and aristocracy.

The history of Miramar Palace begins in 1889, when Queen Regent Maria Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine, widow of King Alfonso XII, decided to build a summer residence in San Sebastian. The choice of this city was not accidental; San Sebastian was becoming a fashionable destination among European royalty and high society due to its pleasant climate and spectacular landscapes.

The design of the palace was entrusted to the English architect Selden Wornum, who opted for an English neo-Tudor style, very much in vogue at the time. Construction was completed in 1893, becoming the summer retreat of the Spanish royal family.

The Golden Age

During the first decades of the 20th century, the Miramar Palace witnessed numerous social and political events. Queen Maria Cristina and later her son, King Alfonso XIII, spent many summers in this palace, attracting the aristocracy and cultural elites of the time. The summer stays of the royal family gave a great boost to the tourist and social development of San Sebastian.

Decline and Renaissance

Following the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931 and the subsequent exile of the royal family, the palace remained unused for some time. In the mid-20th century, the San Sebastian City Council acquired the Miramar Palace and its gardens, and restoration and refurbishment work began.

Current Use

Today, the Miramar Palace has become an important cultural and events centre. It houses the headquarters of the Summer Courses of the University of the Basque Country, as well as various cultural activities, conferences and exhibitions. Its gardens, open to the public, are an ideal place to stroll and enjoy the panoramic views of La Concha Bay.

Access to the Palace

Access to the Miramar Palace gardens is free, allowing visitors to enjoy its beautiful views and scenery at no cost. Although the palace is not open to the general public, it is used as the university headquarters and as a venue for musical events. Additionally, it is possible to rent the space for special events such as weddings.

Access to the Miramar Palace in San Sebastian

Miramar Palace, one of the most emblematic architectural gems of San Sebastian, offers visitors a unique experience, both for its history and for its privileged location between the beaches of La Concha and Ondarreta. Below, we explain the different ways to access this magnificent palace.

Access on foot

For those who enjoy walking, access on foot is a great option, especially if you are already in the centre of San Sebastian. From the centre, Miramar Palace can be reached in about 20 minutes. The walk will allow you to enjoy the views of the Cantabrian Sea and the well-kept gardens surrounding the palace.

Recommended walking route from the center of San Sebastian:

1. It begins at San Sebastián City Hall.
2. Walk west along Paseo de La Concha, bordering the beach of the same name.
3. At the end of Paseo de La Concha, turn left and go up the ramp that leads directly to the Miramar Palace gardens.

Access by Public Transport

San Sebastián has an efficient public transport system that facilitates access to the Miramar Palace from different points in the city.

Bus: Dbus lines 16 and 18 have stops close to the palace. You can take either of these lines and get off at the “Paseo de Miraconcha 48” stop, which is a few minutes walk from the palace entrance.

Bicycle: The city also has a well-designed bicycle rental system and cycle paths. There are several bicycle collection points near Miramar Palace, allowing for convenient and environmentally friendly access.

Access by car

If you prefer to arrive by car, Miramar Palace is well connected by road.

Access for People with Reduced Mobility

Miramar Palace has been adapted to be accessible to people with reduced mobility. It has ramps and lifts that facilitate access to the different areas of the palace and its gardens.

Miramar Palace inside

The fact that the Miramar Palace cannot be seen inside as a tourist attraction arouses a lot of curiosity about what the palace is like. The interior of the Miramar Palace is elegantly decorated, reflecting the style of the English nobility. Its halls have been adapted to host events, concerts and conferences, maintaining their historical charm while offering all modern comforts. Of particular note are the rooms used by Spanish royalty during their summer vacations.

miramar palace tickets

As it is not open to the general public, it is not possible to buy tickets to enter the Miramar Palace. However, there are guided tours that allow you to learn about the history and curiosities of this emblematic building. To enjoy an enriching and complete experience, we invite you to book a guided tour with Golocal, where our expert guides will offer you a detailed and exciting view of the Miramar Palace and its surroundings.