CASTLES HONDARRIBIA

San Telmo gaztelua, known as the Pirates' castle, is a small fortified structure built in 1598 on Hondarribia's Uxando cape to suppress maritime piracy during the reign of Felipe II. Built under the command of Juan Velázquez, the governor of Hondarribia, the fortress occupies 497 square metres on the rocky shoreline and combines Baroque architectural elements with three distinct buildings—a tower, troop barracks, and officer's pavilion. An inscription at the entrance gate commemorates its anti-piracy purpose. Designated as a Basque government heritage site, the castle is privately owned and cannot be visited internally, though it remains a significant landmark on Hondarribia's northeastern maritime boundary.

The Fortress of Guadalupe stands on Jaizkibel Mountain overlooking Hondarribia as one of its most impressive military fortifications. Dating back centuries, with the associated chapel documented as early as 1526, the complex showcases Hondarribia's strategic defensive heritage following the city's turbulent 1638 siege. The sanctuary building itself likely dates to the late 18th century, featuring late Renaissance altarpieces and baroque architecture. A distinctive stone spire added around 1860 crowns the structure, while supporting corbels and cornices reveal much older construction techniques. The fortress complex offers visitors insight into the region's medieval military defenses and religious significance.