Miramar Palace

Gardens and Palace in San Sebastián

San Sebastian Palacio Miramar — CC BY-SA 3.0 / Generalpoteito

The Palacio de Miramar or Miramar Palace is a late 19th-century palace located on the La Concha Bay of the city of San Sebastián, Spain.

In the past, the city was the summer destination for the royal family. As they did not have any official residence they decided to build one. It was built in 1893 with the English architect Selden Wornum.

History of the Miramar Palace

When regent Queen María Cristina, King Alfonso XIII’s mother, fell in love with the city of Donostia-San Sebastián there became a need for the building a “Royal Country House”.

The Queen chose the estate of the Count of Morianna. The land was situated on a small hillock between the city centre and Antiguo neighbourhood, overlooked the stunning La Concha bay.

The building was designed by the British architect Ralph Selden Wornum in the Queen Anne style, with added Neo-Gothic elements. It was then built by master builder José Goikoa.

The building was built with stables, workshop and coach houses. Its 34,136 square metres gardens were designed by Pierre Ducasse.

After the Queen’s death the property went to Alfonso XIII. During the II Republic it was expropriated and given back to the Borbón family.

The Town Council bought a part of the present palace and gardens in 1972 and they are now open to the public, .

Although the building is normally closed it does host the University of the Basque Country’s summer courses and some concerts during the Musical Fortnight.

Other Names of the Miramar Palace

It is also known as Palacio Municipal de Miramar. Its association with the Spanish Royal family has meant it is also called the Palacio Real or Royal Palace.

The Miramar Palace appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting San Sebastián!

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