Antzoki Zaharra

Antzoki Zaharra (in Spanish, Teatro Principal) is the oldest theatre in Donostia / San Sebastián, tucked into the narrow streets of the Old Town (Parte Vieja) in the Basque Country. The Basque name translates literally as "Old Theatre," and locals use both names interchangeably.

Where is Antzoki Zaharra located?

The building stands on Calle Mayor (Kale Nagusia), one of the oldest and most central streets of the Old Town. It sits within easy walking distance of the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, Constitution Square, and La Concha beach, making it a natural stop while exploring Parte Vieja on foot.

What is the history behind the building?

The theatre dates back to the 1840s, built in a neoclassical Isabelline style attributed to an architect known by the surname Etxebeste (rendered in Spanish as Echeveste). In 1883 the building underwent a major renovation led by architect Jose Goikoa. For nearly a century it served as the city's main stage, but its condition gradually deteriorated.

In 1930 the Donostia city council decided to demolish the aging structure, judging it beyond repair. The building visitors see today was designed by municipal architect Juan Rafael Alday in an eclectic style with classicist touches, opening in 1931. The theatre's history was recently documented in a dedicated book, drawing partly on a collection of over a hundred watercolours and drawings by the artist Amable Arias, whose mother once worked there.

What can visitors experience at Antzoki Zaharra today?

The current Teatro Principal seats around 576 people, spread across the ground floor and two balcony levels. Since 1987 the venue has been run by Donostia Kultura, the city's cultural authority, with a programme covering theatre productions, dance performances, and music concerts.

It is also one of the city's key film venues, hosting the Fantastic and Horror Film Week, the silent-film focused Nosferatu Cycle, and the Surfilm and Dock of the Bay festivals. This mix of drama, music, and cinema makes Antzoki Zaharra a draw for both traditional theatre-goers and visitors chasing something more offbeat.

How do you get there, and when should you visit?

Given its Old Town location, walking is by far the easiest way to reach the theatre — about 15–20 minutes from the Donostia/San Sebastián railway station, and even less from La Concha beach. Several city bus stops serve the surrounding streets as well.

It is worth checking the current programme before visiting, since the theatre runs year-round but its film festivals follow fixed annual slots, such as the autumn Fantastic and Horror Film Week. Architecture enthusiasts can appreciate the building's eclectic façade from the outside even without attending a scheduled event.

Frequently asked questions

Are Antzoki Zaharra and Teatro Principal the same place? Yes. They are the Basque and Spanish names for the same building, used interchangeably by locals and in tourist materials.

Is the current building the original 19th-century theatre? Not entirely. The original 1840s structure was demolished in 1930 due to its poor condition, and the building standing today dates from 1931.

How many people can the theatre seat? Around 576, distributed between the ground floor and two balcony levels.

What kind of events happen there besides plays? The venue hosts film festivals such as the Fantastic and Horror Film Week and the silent-cinema Nosferatu Cycle, along with dance performances and concerts.