In the heart of San Sebastian, you’ll find Buen Pastor Cathedral, the city’s largest religious building and one of its most recognisable landmarks. Manuel de Echave designed it back in the late 1800s and construction wrapped up in 1897. The style is neo-Gothic, inspired by Europe’s grand cathedrals, but it has a distinctly local touch with sandstone quarried from nearby Monte Igeldo – the hill that rises over the western edge of the city. The spire shoots up 75 metres, so it’s hard to miss when you’re out and about in the city.
Inside, you’ll find huge arches, high ceilings and light streaming through colourful stained-glass windows. There are quiet corners to pause, or you can wander through the chapels, check out the interior details up close and watch the locals attending services hosted here. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the cathedral’s organ in action. Outside, the plaza has a lively vibe with cafes spilling onto the square and lots of benches where you can sit back, snap a pic of the spire and soak up the everyday rhythm of San Sebastian.
