Full of History
Hondarribia is a sea village full of history. It shows the traveler two sides of it. One side is the sea village represented by the Marina neighborhood with a typical coastal physiognomy with the port and colorful houses, taverns full of pinchos and typical restaurants that lets you taste the delicacies of the Basque cuisine.
The other side is the city, the one that protects itself from the dangers of the sea using thick and high walls (partly destroyed in the 18th Century). The walls protect a small city that has nothing to do with the coastal part. Its squared layout, so typical of medieval times, transports us to past times where the narrow, cobbled streets, the greatness of some richly decorated buildings with coats of arms in their facades reveal the glory of past inhabitants.
We go up the streets of the historic downtown until we reach an immense building that resembles a castle-fort. It has thick walls of about 2-3 meters wide. I’m talking about the Parador de Turismo de Hondarribia, also popularly known as Carlos V Castle.
The origins of the building go back to the 10th Century, under the reign of Sancho Abarca of Navarra. The structure of the building suffered enlargements and fortifications, until in the reign of Carlos V the current façade was built. It is a sober façade that heightens the fort-like appearance. The only decorative element in the exterior is found in the entrance, with a small simply decorated arch where you can see the imperial coat of arms with the two headed eagle. The interior of the building is mainly made of stone, whose presence gives it a unique atmosphere. Aches, spears, canons, and armors complete the austere decoration, giving warmth and elegance to the space.
If you are lucky enough to stay in this parador, you will be able to contemplate the beautiful bedrooms with gorgeous views of the Basque-French coast. But if you don’t I recommend you to make a stop in the way to have a beer or good wine in its splendid bar or in one of its terraces, from where you also have great views.
