The church was constructed primarily using sandstone quarried from the nearby Mount Igueldo.
The facade contains a specific relief featuring the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, the namesake of the city.
The central nave design is influenced by the Counter-Reformation aesthetic, emphasizing dramatic lighting and ornate detail.
The building's orientation is unique as it is perfectly aligned with the Calle 31 de Agosto, creating a visual axis through the Old Town.
The church houses a significant pipe organ built by the Cavaillé-Coll firm in the late 19th century.
The stone pillars inside the church are integrated into the city’s medieval defensive wall foundation.
The Basílica de Santa María del Coro is a 18th-century Baroque church located at the foot of Mount Urgull in the Old Town of San Sebastián. It features a notable Churrigueresque facade, characterized by its intricate, ornate stone carvings and a statue of Saint Sebastian positioned above the main entrance. The floor plan is structured as a single nave with side chapels and a cross-vaulted ceiling. Construction began in 1750 to replace a medieval structure, though the project spanned several decades. The site sits on the exact location of a much older Romanesque sanctuary. The basilica's main altar is dedicated to the Virgin of the Choir, the patron saint of the city. The building serves as a minor basilica, a status granted by the Vatican in 1973.
From the middle of 31 de Agosto Kalea, looking directly at the ornate portal to capture the depth of the street and the height of the facade.
Walk the full length of Calle 31 de Agosto to view the basilica’s facade from the perspective of the narrow, historic street.
Look for the sculpture of the 'Corazón de Jesús' on the nearby hill while standing at the church entrance to see the contrast between the two landmarks.
Visit the choir loft level if access is open to appreciate the intricate woodwork and the scale of the pipe organ.
Do not attempt to enter or take photos during active liturgical services.
Closed to tourism during liturgical services and mass hours.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; maintain silence and refrain from taking photographs during mass.
