Tours · San Sebastián · City Hall
Ayuntamiento de San Sebastián
The elegant city hall standing in seaside gardens between the beach and the old town, built in 1897 as a grand casino, until gambling was banned and it became the seat of the city government.
About this place
The City Hall of San Sebastián occupies one of the most elegant buildings in the city, set in the Alderdi Eder gardens with their neatly pruned tamarind trees, right where the La Concha promenade meets the old town. But it was not built to govern. It opened in 1897 as the Gran Casino, a glittering temple of gambling and entertainment in the city's belle époque heyday, where the European aristocracy came to play roulette, attend balls and be entertained. Famous figures such as the composers and writers of the age passed through its doors, and Mata Hari is said to have performed here. When gambling was banned in Spain in 1924, the casino closed, and after some years the building was converted to house the city council, a role it has held since 1947. With its elegant facade and seaside setting, it remains a reminder of the glamorous resort San Sebastián once was.
Key facts
- 1897 year — The building opened as the Gran Casino in the city's belle époque heyday
- 1924 year — Gambling was banned in Spain and the casino was forced to close
- 1947 year — The former casino became the seat of the city government
📍 Alderdieder parkea - Jardines de Alderdi Eder, 20004, Donostia / San Sebastián