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San SebastinGeography > Europe > Spain > Basque Country > Guipzcoa
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is the capital city of the province of Guipzcoa, in the Spanish autonomous community of Basque Country. Its population is 178,017 (2001 estimate). The city is located in the northeast of Spain, on the Bay of Biscay, close to the French border. San Sebastian's picturesque coastline makes it a popular beach resort. History c. 1174 Donostia awarded status as fuero by King Sancho VI of Navarre 1200 The city is conquered by Castille, whose king Alphonse VIII, confirms its fuero. 1728 The foundation of the "Compaa Guipuzcoana de Caracas" boosts commerce with the Americas. 1808 Napoleonic forces capture San Sebastin 1813 British and Portuguese troops siege San Sebastin and eventually defeat French occupying troops. After being welcome by the inhabitants, newcomers burn the city down. 1813 The city is rebuilt in the same spot. 1863 City walls demolished; expansion of city begins 1937 Province falls to fascist forces Landmarks Recreation San Sebastin/Donostia is the home city of the Primera Divisin football club Real Sociedad. Culture Every year on January 20th the people of San Sebastin celebrate a festival known as the Tamborrada. At midnight in the Constitution plaza in the old city, the leader of the festival raises the flag of San Sebastin, and for 24 hours the entire city is awash with the sound of drums. A festival called La Semana Grande de San Sebastin is held every year in August. There is a fireworks competition in which every night, there is a fireworks presentation over the bay, and at the end, a winner is declared. San Sebastin is known for its tapas and restaurant district near the port of San Sebastin. External Link
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