Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind), San Sebastian

Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind), San Sebastian

The Comb of the Wind, is a striking installation in San Sebastian, that is widely considered to be one of the most important works of both the Basque architect Luis Peña Ganchegui and the Basque sculptor Eduardo Chillida. This collection of three steel sculptures, each weighing over nine tons, is embedded in natural rocks rising from the Cantabrian Sea, creating an architectural work that is seamlessly integrated into its surroundings.

The location of The Comb of the Wind at the western end of La Concha Bay, at the end of Ondarreta beach, is particularly significant. This is a place where the sea and the wind come together with a sense of abandon, whipping the rocks and creating a dramatic landscape. Chillida was inspired by this unique environment to create sculptures that would interact with the natural elements, anchored to the rocks so that the incoming wind would be continually "combed" at La Concha Bay.

The result is a powerful and dynamic installation that appears to emerge from the rocks themselves. The positioning of the sculptures creates a sense of movement and energy, with waves dancing between the tines of the steel and challenging its strength. On the stormiest of days, Peine del Viento becomes a unique representation of the power of nature, with the sound of the whistling wind and the crashing waves creating an unparalleled performance.

Visitors to The Comb of the Wind can not only admire the sculptures but also play with the wind and the sea, watching the waves rising and falling and mischievously shooting through the blow-holes in the nearby viewing area. However, it's important to be mindful of safety, particularly on the stormiest of days when the police may cordon off the area for safety reasons.

Overall, Peine del Viento is a testament to the beauty and power of nature and the creativity of human beings. It's a must-visit destination for anyone interested in architecture, sculpture, or simply the breathtaking beauty of the natural world.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Sebastian. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind) on Map

1
30 m
100 ft
Leaflet © OpenStreetMap contributors
Sight Name: Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind)
Sight Location: San Sebastian, Spain (See walking tours in San Sebastian)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in San Sebastian, Spain

Create Your Own Walk in San Sebastian

Create Your Own Walk in San Sebastian

Creating your own self-guided walk in San Sebastian is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
San Sebastian Introduction Walking Tour

San Sebastian Introduction Walking Tour

San Sebastian has long been well-known as a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful crescent-shaped urban beach, delicious Basque cuisine, and lively nightlife. The scenic La Concha Bay is like a perfectly shaped spa sitting beside the city.

Named after the monastery of San Sebastian, the city traces its history back to 1181, when the King of Navarre, Sancho VI Garces, granted the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Mount Urgull Walking Tour

Mount Urgull Walking Tour

Mount Urgull is a promontory stretching out at the eastern end of La Concha Bay, surrounded by water on all sides, except the one linking it to the Old Town of San Sebastian. Historically, this mount, rising 123 meters above sea level, served as a strategic defense point for the city, attesting to which now are the remnants of old fortifications with cannons still in place.

From its elevated...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles