Palacio de Miramar (Miramar Palace), San Sebastian (must see)

Jose Goicoa Barcaiztegui, the municipal architect of San Sebastian, can best be described as a conservative, eclectic classicist. He designed and built the Spanish Royal Family's Miramar Palace at La Concha Beach (Playa de La Concha) in 1893. Located in front of La Concha Bay, the Royal Palace has spectacular views of the city and the bay.

San Sebastian had close ties to Spanish royalty since the reign of Isabel II in the mid-19th century. Isabel spent her summers in La Concha to "take the waters" for her chronic skin problems. Aristocracy followed her and her later successor, Queen Maria Cristina, widow of King Alfonso XII. Soon a Royal Country House was required.

The location chosen was a large estate acquired from the Count of Mariana. The Royal Palace received an annex in 1920 called the Prince's Pavilion. The estate was taken over in 1933 by the San Sebastian City Council. During the Franco regime, it was returned to the Spanish Royal Household, and in 1972, the Palace was taken back by the City Council.

The overall style of the building is decidedly English with Neo-Gothic adornments. Inside, the White Room, Music Room, Wooden Room, Petit Room, Library, and Royal Dining Room are unchanged. Parties, events, and the San Sebastian Film Festival are hosted at the Palace, now renamed Miramar Municipal Palace.