In the vibrant heart of Old Part of Donostia-San Sebastián, rises majestically The Church of San Vicente Mártir, a building that is not only an active place of worship, but also a fundamental witness to the city’s long and rich history. Considered the oldest monument preserved in San Sebastián, this Basque Gothic jewel invites you on a journey through time, art and faith.
Origins and Construction: A Centennial Gothic Testimony
The construction of The Church of San Vicente It began in 1507 and concluded in 1574, under the expert direction of the master stonemasons Miguel de Santa Celay and Juan de Urrutia. This temple was built on the remains of an earlier church, presumably damaged by a fire in 1489, underscoring a spiritual and architectural continuity at this site over the centuries.
Architecturally, the church is a magnificent example of the late Gothic style, specifically Basque Gothic. It has a rectangular floor plan divided into three naves, the central one being notably higher, following the pointed canon. Simple cross vaults cover the naves, and the presbytery, polygonal in shape and reinforced by robust buttresses, was renovated in 1775. Its four sandstone rose windows, identical two by two, add a distinctive element to its sober and elegant aesthetic.
History of St. Vincent’s Church: Resilience Through the Centuries
The story of The Church of San Vicente It is intrinsically linked to that of San Sebastián. For centuries, it depended administratively on the Church of Santa María del Coro, considered the mother church of the town. Although the legal division of parishioners was formalized in 1576, it was not until 1940 that St. Vincent’s gained complete administrative independence.
A crucial milestone in its history was the devastating fire of 1813, which occurred during the Napoleonic Wars, which devastated a large part of the Old Town of San Sebastian. Miraculously, The Church of San Vicente It was one of the few buildings that survived the flames. During and after the catastrophe, its walls served as an improvised hospital to care for the numerous injured, becoming a symbol of refuge and resilience for the community.
Other notable moments include the construction of its bell tower in 1562, the arrival of an important relic of the titular saint in 1592, and the construction of the sacristy in 1666 (today used as a chapel).
Artistic Treasures and Cultural Heritage in The Church of San Vicente
The interior of The Church of San Vicente It houses a valuable artistic heritage that reflects different eras and styles.
- The Main Altarpiece: Without a doubt, the jewel in the crown is its impressive main altarpiece. Completed in 1586, it is a masterpiece of the Renaissance (Romanist style) made by the sculptors Ambrosio de Bengoechea and Juan de Iriarte. Considered one of the best altarpieces of this movement in the Basque Country, it presents a rich iconographic program focused on the Passion of Christ, with detailed scenes such as the Last Supper or the Lavatory, and representations of the apostolic college. Its artistic quality is comparable to the influences of the Michelangelo school.
- El Órgano Cavaillé-Coll: Another priceless treasure is its romantic organ, built by the prestigious French organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1868 and expanded in 1893. This instrument is famous for its magnificent sound and continues to be the protagonist of concerts and liturgies, offering an exceptional acoustic experience.
- Other Works: The church also houses other altarpieces of interest, such as the Tabernacle (which integrates pieces from previous altars) and a neoclassical one with a medallion of the Holy Family. Also noteworthy is the baroque altarpiece of Las Ánimas, the work of Felipe de Arizmendi. In addition, it houses important processional carvings used during Holy Week, such as the Ecce Homo, the Dolorosa, the Descent and the Recumbent Christ.
The Church Today: Active Parish and Point of Tourist Interest
At the moment, The Church of San Vicente It remains a lively and active parish in the heart of the Old Town (located at 3 San Vicente Street). It is one of the essential points of interest for those who visit San Sebastián, offering a deep insight into the cultural heritage of Donostia.
The church is accessible for tourists and people with reduced mobility, with main access at ground level, non-slip pavement and adapted parking spaces nearby. Assistance dogs are allowed to enter at no additional cost, complying with current regulations. Several urban bus lines have stops a few meters away.
Anecdotes and Curiosities of San Vicente
- The Relic: A fascinating anecdote is the arrival in 1592 of a relic of San Vicente Martyr directly from Rome. It is kept in a beautiful arm-shaped silver reliquary and continues to be an object of veneration.
- Refuge in Adversity: Its role as a hospital during the fire of 1813 It is a recurring story that highlights the deep connection of the church with the San Sebastian community in the most difficult times.
- Musical Experiences: He organo Cavaillé-Coll Not only does it play at masses and concerts, but occasionally special visits have been organized that allow you to get up close and personal with this magnificent instrument and even go up to normally inaccessible spaces above the vaults.
- An Unexpected Corner: Despite its size and historical importance, the church is somewhat “boxed in” between the buildings of the Old Town, which makes discovering its imposing interior a pleasant surprise for many visitors.
Practical Information for the Visit
- Location: Calle San Vicente, 3, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastián (Old Town).
- Access: Easy access on foot from any point in the Old Town and the center. Bus stops nearby (lines 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 31, 42 about 500m away).
- Hours: As it is an active parish, visiting hours may vary. It is recommended to consult the mass and tourist opening times on the website of the St. Vincent Parish or in the office San Sebastian Tourism.
- Accessibility: Access adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Conclusion: An Essential Legacy
The Church of San Vicente It is much more than the oldest building in Donostia-San Sebastián. It is a chest of history, a museum of sacred art, a center of spiritual life and a symbol of the city’s resilience. Visiting it is connecting with the roots of San Sebastián and admiring a first-class artistic and architectural heritage. A mandatory stop to understand the soul of the Old Town and the entire city.
