PLACE: Tolosa (Gipuzkoa)

A town full of history and 25 km from San Sebastian, Tolosa was founded in 1256 by King Alfonso X “el Sabio” (the Wise), only half a century after this territory of Gipuzcoa became a part of Castile. The duly executed charter gave the inhabitants of Tolosa certain privileges which the nearby villages did not possess, and neither did those of the other provinces. It was, in fact, the capital of the province for all of 10 years, until the title was given San Sebastian, with the subsequent transferring of the Regional Government and all the administration to the new capital.

In relation to its most interesting sights, it is noted for its Monumental Centre, one of the largest in Gipuzkoa, with a history that dates back to the 13th century, and evidence of which can be found in its emblematic buildings, such as the Parish Church of Santa María, the Palacio Idiáquez, the Casas Consistoriales (Municipal Buildings) or the San Francisco Convent.

Throughout all these centuries of history, the town has preserved its unique signs of identity, among which we find its famous carnival (Tolosako Inauteriak), a pagan festival which has never ceased to be held, since its origin in the 17th century, not even during its prohibition throughout the Franco dictatorship. Another characteristic feature is its gastronomy, with the Tolosa beans, one of the specialities of the region, and its cakes: Cigarrillos, Tejas de Tolosa and the Xaxus. All of these can be found not only in Tolosa, but in the whole of the Tolosaldea district.

This area of Gipuzcoa, which is made up of 28 villages around Tolosa, is the ideal place to enjoy the peace and total tranquillity, leisure, staying in the agricultural and rural tourism accommodations, which provide quality services, and constantly surrounded by unbeatable scenery. Nature, ecology, tradition, culture, gastronomy and sport, together with a wide range of restaurants, bars, cider bars and quality shops, the excellent service, make the Tolosaldea region a place well worth visiting.