Palacio de Ayete, Neoclassical government palace in San Sebastián, Spain
Palacio de Ayete is a Neoclassical government palace situated on hills surrounding San Sebastián, featuring balanced proportions and formal gardens designed by Pierre Ducasse. The building spreads across several levels with different functions and commands panoramic views over the city and coastline from its elevated location.
Built in 1878 by architect Adolfo Ombrecht for the Dukes of Bailén, the palace later served as a summer residence for Spanish royal family members. After this period, it passed under the administration of the Basque regional government and was repurposed to house institutions serving the public good.
The palace now houses offices dedicated to peace and human rights on its lower level, where visitors can see an active institution engaged with social issues today. The upper floor hosts workshops and cultural events that turn the building into a gathering place for creative and civic activities.
The palace is accessible through guided tours that offer insight into its interior spaces, while the surrounding park invites walking and offers places to sit and rest. The elevated location provides natural viewpoints from which you can see across the city and its surroundings.
The former servants' quarters tucked under the roof were converted into modern cultural spaces while keeping the original Neoclassical structure intact. This transformation shows how historical spaces can take on new purposes without losing their architectural character.
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