Paris1972-Versailles2003

One of the most lively cities in Spain, rich in Basque tradition and close to the French border;you can’t ask for more. The city was first visited from France by car and then from Madrid as well, always wonderful family memories ; and always looking forward to be back eventually. The City was from 1914 built up following Haussmanian architecture as in Paris. That is why is so beautiful…! I found me new picture in my cd rom vault that should be in my blog for you and me, Therefore, let me tell you a bit on the Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio Kursaal of San Sebastian !!! Hope you enjoy it as I.

The Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio Kursaal or Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium is an architectural complex consisting of a large auditorium, a large chamber hall, multipurpose rooms, and exhibition halls. It was inaugurated in 1999 and has been the main venue for the San Sebastian Film Festival ever since. The term Kursaal comes from the German words Kur (‘treatment’) and Saal (‘hall, room’) ,and therefore etymologically means Treatment Room. The Gran Kursaal Marítimo or simply Gran Kursaal, was a sumptuous palace inaugurated in 1921. A new project was presented in 1972, and the building was finally closed and demolished in 1973. Final approval for the new building started construction in 1995, and work began in 1996, and was finished in 1999.

It is mainly composed of two large prismatic volumes that emerge from a platform. Each “cube,” as they are popularly known, consists of an interior prism of masonry that forms a hall within it, enclosed by a double wall made of translucent pressed glass panels attached to a metal structure that also encompasses the lobbies and corridors. Between these two cubes is a large, accessible terrace with views of the sea, both Zurriola Beach and the mouth of the Urumea River. On this terrace, at two different levels , various concerts of the San Sebastián Jazz Festival are held, as well as other activities such as a nightclub during the city’s Semana Grande (Big Week) festivities.

It is composed of an auditorium, that is, a venue whose sole function is to host symphonic concerts or similar performances, has a capacity of 1,806 spectators. It is located within the larger “cube,” the one closest to the river, and is used for major events. For operatic performances,  it has an orchestra pit, formed by lowering the front section of the stalls floor as well as a system of side curtains that allow for modification of the hall’s acoustics. The Chamber Hall has a capacity of 600 spectators and is located in the smaller “cube.” Its stage machinery is of limited height, preventing the concealment of scenery suspended from its bars, thus limiting extensive set changes. It has a piano lift on the stage. The multipurpose rooms are used for concerts, meetings, etc., with limited attendance. The Exhibition Halls are rooms used for holding exhibitions, and the Kubo Hall , an exhibition hall belonging to the Kutxa savings bank. The building also has a restaurant, several shops on the ground floor, and a parking garage. (which I have used!)

The official Kursaal : https://www.kursaal.eus/en/

The San Sebastian tourist office on the Kursaal : https://sansebastianturismoa.eus/en/establecimientos/kursaal-palacio-de-congresos-auditorio-4/

The Euskadi Basque tourist office on the Kursaal : https://tourism.euskadi.eus/en/museums/kursaal-auditorium-and-congress-centre/webtur00-content/en/

Thecity of San Sebastian on expos/museums/culture: https://www.donostia.eus/ataria/es/web/info/museoak

There you go folks, again by this wonderful city of San Sebastian, that I would love to visit again, and a must to visit in my dear Spain,  Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio Kursaal of San Sebastian !!! as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!