VICTOR HUGO AND PASAIA
In the summer of 1843, the famous French writer Victor Hugo arrived in Pasaia almost by chance and was utterly captivated. During a trip through the Pyrenees, he set off from San Sebastián and, after crossing Mount Ulia on foot, descended to Pasai San Pedro. There, the iconic rowing boatwomen ferried him across to Pasai Donibane – a moment that won him over forever and led him to stay for a while in a unique house by the sea, the very same one that bears his name today.
“Pasaia is a Little radiant eden … one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen”. – Victor Hugo, “En Voyage. Alpes et Pyrénées”
His journey was reflected in his writings, in which he described, with great emotion, a landscape hidden amongst high, green mountains and the sea. The writer was captivated not only by the surroundings, but also by the region’s strong sense of identity; he was so impressed that he went so far as to say that ‘the Basque language is a homeland’. He even found the architecture of his accommodation unique, describing it as a marvelous blend of ‘a hut and a palace’.
Follow in his footsteps today
Although the interior of the Victor Hugo House is currently closed to the public, strolling along the picturesque Donibane Street and pausing before its façade allows you to experience the same sense of wonder that the writer felt almost two centuries ago. An unmissable spot where history, the sea and literature come together in the heart of Pasaia.
Adress: Donibane kalea, 63 (Pasai Donibane)
Location
Donibane, 63
20110 Pasai Donibane
If you come into the village from the chimney in the Bizkaia Neighbourhood, you will find it in the centre of Pasai Donibane, beneath the second archway of the “..first street…which always takes you where you want to go” (Victor Hugo); or at the end of the first passageway if you take the boat across from Pasai San Pedro, just like Victor Hugo did in his day.
Contact
Pasaia Tourist Office
Pasai Donibaneko kulturgunea
Donibane, 1
20110 Pasaia(Gipuzkoa)
Tel.: +34 943 341 556
Notice
Victor Hugo’s house is closed.
