Constitution Square of San Sebastian: a great story to tell

The city of San Sebastian is known and admired for its architectural richness and the great history hidden in each of its corners.

One of its most outstanding points is the Constitution Square of San Sebastian, or also known as “La Consti” and it is here that the most outstanding event of the year begins, the famous Tamborrada.

Where is the Constitution Square of San Sebastian?

As expected, the Constitution Square of San Sebastian is located in the Old Town, representing the essence of this incredible city.

In addition, the Constitution Square of San Sebastian is only 10 minutes from another of the mandatory visit points, Playa de la Concha.

History of the Constitution Square of San Sebastian

It would be very difficult to tell the complete story of the Constitution Square of San Sebastian, so we will cover some of the most important landmarks.

If you want to know many more details, secrets and history, do not hesitate to take a free tour with our local guides. We are sure you will love it!

Now, yes then, we are going to see some of the most important events in the history of Constitution Square.

Not so pretty past

When the Constitution Square of San Sebastian was still the Plaza Nueva, during the occupation of the conventional French army, this square was the guillotine placement point, which is why, practically daily, there were executions of some of the inhabitants of San Sebastian.

Destruction of the Old Square

When General Wellington’s army managed to enter the city to drive the French army out of it, one of the main points where the most damage was caused was in the city’s architecture. So, the Plaza Nueva and all the houses that existed in its surroundings burnt down. Without a doubt, one of the worst moments in its history.

Rebuilding with a secret

After this tragedy, it was commissioned to carry out the new square in the city. However, at the beginning of the project, the architect in charge of it realized that there was a depression in the land, so that in rainy seasons there could be problems.

Therefore, when we walk through the Constitution Square of San Sebastian, we also walk over the remains of rubble and ashes that were used to equalize the depression that existed.

The seed and the name “La Consti”

In the year 1812 the famous Constitution of La Pepa was signed, which would radically affect all parts of the peninsula. For this reason, many of the squares that were created or inaugurated after it received the name of Plaza de la Constitución and in the case of San Sebastian, it was not going to be less since in the year 1817 the square was inaugurated.

The numbered balconies of the Constitution Square of San Sebastiaán in San Sebastian

This is one of the best-known secrets of the Constitution Square of San Sebastian and it stands out from the beautiful balconies that can be seen when walking through the square.

The meaning of these numbers goes back to the ancient tradition where bullfights were held in the main square of the city and also, it was an activity highly acclaimed by high society.

Therefore, the numbered balconies of the Constitution Square of San Sebastian referred to each of the boxes from which the event could be enjoyed.

Now you know a small part of the great history of the Constitution Square of San Sebastian, although you still have many other points to discover and learn about.

San Sebastian has always been a very important location for the different milestones that have stood out throughout history, therefore, it is a unique destination and one that we are sure you will want to visit again.