Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro

As we stand in the heart of San Sebastian's 'Parte Vieja' or Old Town, we face the magnificent Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro. This 18th-century Baroque masterpiece is one of the most beloved and visually stunning religious…

Gaze upon the main portal of the Basilica, a breathtaking example of the Churrigueresque influence on Spanish Baroque architecture. The entrance is designed as a 'retablo-facade,' essentially a monumental altarpiece moved to the…

Upon entering the Basilica, your eyes will naturally be drawn to the high altar, a magnificent Neo-Classical work designed by Diego de Villanueva and Francisco Azurmendi. At its center resides the small, ancient statue of the…

Look up at the impressive ceiling of the Basilica. While the facade and the altars are distinctly Baroque and Neo-Classical, the structure of the building reveals a transition from the earlier Gothic tradition. …

As you walk along the sides of the nave, take time to explore the various side chapels. These spaces were historically funded by the city’s wealthy families, merchant guilds, and religious brotherhoods, each seeking to express…

The 'Coro' or choir area, located at the back of the church above the main entrance, gives the Basilica its name and highlights one of its most important functions. San Sebastian has a world-renowned tradition of choral music,…

Finally, step back out onto the Calle Mayor and walk a short distance away from the Basilica. From this perspective, you can appreciate the brilliant urban planning of the 18th century. …

As we conclude our tour of the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro, we take a final look at its golden facade, standing proud against the backdrop of Mount Urgull. We have seen how this building is much more than a masterpiece of…