Walls and gates in Hondarribia

The fortification walls of Hondarribia form a complete defensive system with six bastions and two external turrets built from sandstone quarried from Mount Jaizkibel. This structure entirely surrounds the medieval town center and remains visible from outside.

The fortifications were built during the 15th and 16th centuries to protect the town from invasion due to its strategic location near the French border. This defensive system was critical to safeguarding the trade routes in this border region.

The town gates display Gothic and Renaissance details that reflect the craftsmanship of their era, including decorated stone pillars and the town's coat of arms from 1694. These entrances show how architectural styles changed as the town developed over time.

You can enter the historical center through two main gates: the southern Santa María gate and the western San Nicolás gate. Both entrances serve as clear reference points for accessing the walled old town.

The sandstone for the walls came from the nearby Mount Jaizkibel, showing the close link between the town and its natural surroundings. This local sourcing of materials shaped the appearance and structure of the entire fortification.