Hondarribia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hondarribia
Municipality
Hondarribia as seen from Hendaye
Flag Coat of arms
Hondarribia Location in Basque Country Show map of Basque Country Hondarribia Location in Spain Show map of Spain
Country	Spain
Autonomous community	Basque Country
Province	Gipuzkoa
Eskualdea	Bidasoaldea
Founded	April 18, 1203 (1203-04-18)
Area
• Total	28.63 km2 (11.05 sq mi)
Elevation	16 m (52 ft)
Highest elevation	543 m (1,781 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2018)
• Total	17,018
• Density	594.41/km2 (1,539.52/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Basque: hondarribiar Spanish: fuenterribense
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	20280
Official language(s)	Basque, Spanish

Hondarribia's fishermen's quarter

Hondarribia is a beautiful town in the Basque Country, Spain. It sits right on the coast, where the Bidasoa river meets the sea. This town is special because it's a border town, looking across the Txingudi bay to Hendaye in France. You can even take a small boat between the two towns!

Hondarribia has a very old part with strong walls and a castle. It also has a nice beach and is backed by a mountain called Jaizkibel. Near the beach, you can find Cape Higuer, a scenic spot. The town is also home to San Sebastian Airport, which handles flights within Spain. About 17,000 people live in Hondarribia.

Hondarribia's Historic Battles

Hondarribia has a long history of battles because of its important location. Many fights happened here to control this strong town.

Early Attacks on Hondarribia

French troops tried to take Hondarribia in 1476 and again in 1503, but they were not successful. The town's defenses held strong.

The Siege of 1523-1524

In 1521, during a time of conflict, French forces took control of Hondarribia. However, the army of Charles V fought back. They besieged the city for a long time, from 1523 to 1524. Finally, Charles V's forces managed to take the city back.

The Great Siege of 1638

One of the most famous battles was the Siege of Fuenterrabía (1638). In 1638, a huge French army, led by Condé, surrounded Hondarribia. About 27,000 French soldiers attacked the city for two months. They fired thousands of shells into the walled town.

Even though the city was almost completely destroyed, with only about 300 people left alive (mostly women and children), the people of Hondarribia refused to give up. The Spanish soldiers successfully defended the city. To this day, the town celebrates this victory every year on September 8th with a special parade called the Alarde.

Later Conflicts in Hondarribia

Hondarribia also saw battles in later wars. In 1719, during the War of the Quadruple Alliance, French forces attacked the city. Then, in 1794, during the French Revolutionary Wars, the French army took the city by breaking through its walls. After capturing it, they even blew up part of the wall facing France. Luckily, a peace treaty was signed before all the walls were destroyed.

Sports and Fun in Hondarribia

Hondarribia is a great place for sports and has many fun activities.

Top Sports Teams and Athletes

The town has two very successful sports clubs:

• The Hondarribia-Irun women's basketball team has played in Spain's top league since 2003. They have even competed against other European teams!
• The Hondarribia Arraun Elkartea is a famous rowing club. Their boat is green and called "Ama Guadalupekoa." In 2005, they won the La Bandera de la Concha, which is one of the most important rowing races in the Basque Country.

The Ama Guadalupekoa judo club has also won many national medals recently.

Hondarribia is also known for its famous athletes:

• Jose Maria Olazabal, one of the world's best golf players, grew up here. The town has its own golf course.
• Olympic medalist Iker Martinez started his sailing journey in Hondarribia's marina.
• The Vilariño family, who are well-known in car racing, continue to win races in Spain and Europe.

Leisure Activities and Attractions

Center of interpretation of the walls of Hondarribia (Arma Plaza Fundazioa).

Hondarribia offers many ways to relax and have fun:

• Hondarribia Beach: Thanks to a special jetty, the town has a lovely beach where you can enjoy the bay's waters. There's also a recreational port and a sports center nearby.
• Guided Tours: The Arma Plaza Fundazioa (a local foundation) organizes guided tours. You can explore the old town, the charming Marina quarter, and the Fort of Guadalupe. These tours are available all year, especially in summer.
• Interpretation Center: The tourist office, also run by Arma Plaza Fundazioa, is located in Plaza de Armas. It has an interpretation center where you can watch videos, see temporary exhibits, and buy souvenirs of the city.

Famous People from Hondarribia

Many talented people have come from Hondarribia:

• Juan de Alcega (16th century): A mathematician and tailor known for his book on how to cut fabric precisely.
• Jorge Bolet: A legendary American-Cuban pianist.
• José María Olazábal: A famous Spanish golfer who won two U.S. Masters titles and was a regular member of the European Ryder Cup team.
• Unai Emery: A well-known football manager who has led teams like Aston Villa, Villarreal, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain.
• Íñigo Cervantes: A professional tennis player.
• Itziar Mendizabal: A talented ballet dancer.
• Ander Vilariño: A successful racing driver.

Old Paintings of Hondarribia

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  Medieval map of Hondarribia.

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  Hondarribia with its City Walls, and French Hendaye town in 1640.

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  A Basque Pelota game under Hondarribia's City Walls, painted by Gustave Colin in 1863.

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  Hondarribia by Armand-Dumaresq in 1873.

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  The Bidassoa river meeting the sea in Fontarrabie, painted in 1843 by Eugène de Malbos.

Climate in Hondarribia

See also

In Spanish: Fuenterrabía para niños