Ayete Palace
Aiete Palace
Aiete Palace was built in 1878 by the Duke and Duchess of Bailén. Pilgrims on the Way of St. James pass the building on their journey. This neo-classical building is attributed to French architect Adolfo Ombrecht, and is one of the most valuable buildings in San Sebastián.
It embodies, as does the city as a whole, the fine tastes from the end of the 19th century. Until Miramar Palace was built in 1893, it was once the residence of Spanish monarchs Isabel II, Alfonso XII, María Cristina and Alfonso XIII. Many illustrious people have passed through its rooms, such as Queen Elizabeth of England and Empress Eugénie de Montijo. San Sebastián was also a summer holiday resort during the Franco years. Between 1941 and 1975, General Francisco Franco chose the palace as his summer residence. The dictator set off from here to his famous meeting with Adolf Hitler in Hendaya and it was in the palace's suites that he took the decision to become an ally to the Americans.
Renovated in 2010, today it houses the House of Peace and Human Rights. It also boasts the Aiete Cultural Park: in addition to the 3,660 square metres occupied by the House of Peace and the Aiete Cultural Centre, it contains gardens and esplanades, a park for children, a Bonsai pavilion, a bar and restaurant, etc. The Park stands out for its plants, trees and gardens which, stretching over 74,000 square metres, were designed by the royal gardener Ducasse, who learnt his craft as a garden architect in Versailles.
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