Ubillos Palace

Ubillos Palace in Zumaia is one of the standout noble residences in the old town of this coastal Basque city, listed as a cultural heritage site of Gipuzkoa.

What is the history behind the palace?

The building traces back to the 15th century, when a modest defensive tower stood on the site — positioned on the left side of what is now the main façade. From the 16th century onward, the property belonged to the Ubillos family, originally from Ordizia. The family built its wealth through maritime trade, including commerce with the Indies, and reinvested part of its fortune in shipbuilding.

At the end of the 16th century, Francillo de Ubillos had the old house-tower expanded, attaching a full palace to it. That renovation produced the main body of the building as it stands today: a Renaissance-style square courtyard, a second tower on the right side of the façade, a wide entrance gate, and balconies along the front. The work fundamentally changed the character of the complex — from a fortified defensive tower into a representative residence typical of Basque families enriched by overseas trade.

What is there to see?

The palace's main appeal lies in the contrast between the older, plainer tower section and the Renaissance wing added in the 16th century. Look out for the square Renaissance courtyard, the stone façade with its balconies, and the balance between the two towers flanking the building. Even without its original military purpose, the structure still clearly shows its building phases — from a medieval defensive tower to an early modern noble residence.

The palace stands at the heart of Zumaia's old town, at calle San José 14, surrounded by other historic buildings of the city center, which makes it easy to combine a visit with a short walk through the oldest part of town.

How do you get there?

Zumaia sits on the Gipuzkoa coast, in the Basque Country, well connected to neighboring coastal towns. The most convenient way to reach the palace is on foot, since it lies within the old town, just a few minutes' walk from the main landmarks of the center. Its position on one of the old town's principal streets makes it simple to fold into a walking route through Zumaia's historic core.

When is the best time to visit?

The palace currently houses Zumaia's Music School, so its interior is not open to the public for regular tours — the main draw is the façade and overall structure, which can be admired from the street year-round. A walk through the old town is most pleasant in the warmer months, when coastal weather makes longer strolls through the historic center more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the inside of the palace? The building now serves as Zumaia's Music School, so it is not a standard tourist site with regular visiting hours — the façade and courtyard, however, can be viewed from outside.

Who built the palace? The expansion was carried out at the end of the 16th century by Francillo de Ubillos, a member of the Ubillos family from Ordizia, whose wealth came from maritime trade and investment in shipbuilding.

How does the palace differ from the original building? Originally the site held only a 15th-century medieval defensive tower. The Renaissance renovation at the end of the 16th century added the main building, courtyard, second tower, entrance gate, and balconies, shifting the structure from a military stronghold to a representative residence.

Where exactly is the palace located? Ubillos Palace stands at calle San José 14, in Zumaia's historic center, surrounded by other heritage buildings of the old town.