Hondarribia was the second town in Guipuzcoa to receive the Charter in the year 1203 after San Sebastian and was the first to be founded by a Castilian king. Its strategic location, its importance as a fortified town and the development of its defence systems made this village, later a town, exceptional. Already fortified in the Middle Ages, it would not reach its maximum splendour until the first years of the sixteenth century. Its important commercial and trading activities, along with its significant fishing activity, converted Hondarribia into one of the most important enclaves in Guipuzcoa.

The fortified area contains a rectangular plan in a framework of cobbled streets marked by beautiful buildings with forged iron balconies and wide, carved eaves of great architectural beauty. On the top of the hill, next to the Plaza de Armas, Charles V’s castle rises up, built upon another medieval castle, traces of which can still be seen. A few metres away is the parish church of Ntra. Sra. de la Asunción y del Manzano, a beautiful Gothic jewel.

It is fantastic how the heritages were manteined as we can visit now the walls and the former gates that permited in the past the acces to the old area as Santa Maria Gate, one of the two entrances to the town and it was built at the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is protected on the west side by the Santa Maria Turret. The entrance is a low dovelada arch and on top of it a large coat of arms dated 1694, crowned by the Virgin of Guadalupe flanked by two chubby children, is inserted. This coat of arms came from the Capuchin Convent in 1879. The gate hinges still remain.

An incredible trip to the past history of this area.

Duration: 2 hours approximately.

Note: Organized entrance fees included. Minimum three travellers required to book.  Otherwise check our Personal Guide Service for a day or half a day. Contact us to put your name on our waiting list in order to make a group or ask for a tailor-made service.