Stone and iron

Gipuzkoa is a land of monuments and great sculptors, artists who knew better than anyone else how to mould the elements of nature: iron, stone, water and fire.

These geniuses knew how to transform the concept of reality, offering us a new vision of space, light and shadows. The 1960s saw the creation of 'Gaur' ('today' in Basque), a movement spearheaded by Jorge Oteiza, along with other artists, to promote the role of art in society. As a result, Gipuzkoa today is a veritable open-air museum. Exceptional large-scale sculptures can be found in the streets and squares across our towns and cities.

Comb of the Wind

A classic stop in San Sebastian. Comb of the Wind by Eduardo Chillida is a perfect fusion of art and landscape.

Empty construction

The artistic gem stands defiantly over the sea on San Sebastian's Paseo Nuevo.

Sancti Spiriti University

Sanci Spiritus University in Oñati is a Renaissance monument and the first university in the Basque Country.

Door of the Arantzazu Basilica

In August 1950, the first stone was laid for the new basilica of Arantzazu.

Oteiza pelota courts

One of Oteiza's dreams was brought to life in Azkoitia: to experiment with empty spaces in the world of Basque pelota.

Fort of San Marcos

A 19th-century military construction built for defensive purposes.

Lili palace

This magnificent example of medieval architecture can be found in the town of Zestoa.

Basozabal palace

The Basozabal palace is a beautiful fifteenth-century palacio on Calle Enparan in the centre of Azpeitia.

Arrietakua Palace

Take a tour of the maritime history of the Basque coast in this magnificent late seventeenth-century palacio in the historical quarter of Mutriku.

Santa Elena Necropolis

The chapel of Santa Elena (also known as Ama Xantalen) stands close to the old quarter of Irun, on the banks of the River Estebenea.

Atauts

The name Atauts comes from 'ate' + 'huts' ('empty' + 'door' in Basque).

Lizardiren leihoa

This steel sculpture made by Chillida as a tribute to the poet Xabier Lizardi stands outside Palacio Aramburu in Tolosa.

Homage to Fleming

Enjoy spectacular views from this sculpture of one of the loveliest bays in the world.

The Peace Cross

The cross was carved from a piece of alabaster weighing 800 kg.

The dove of peace

This work by Gipuzkoan sculptor Nestor Basterretxea, charged with symbolism, stands on the Sagues sea front.

Besarkada

A friend's embrace, re-conciliation and understanding are part of the universal language of art.

'Zinbaue' Sculpture by Nestor Basterretxea

The sculpture, designed by Néstor Basterretxea, is located in Arma Plaza (Hondarribia) and was unveiled on 5 September 2014.

Hondalea

Treasure Island