Tolosa

Tolosa is a town in Gipuzkoa founded in 1256 as a frontier stronghold between Castile and the Kingdom of Navarre. For centuries it served as the capital of the territory and a key node on the trade route linking Navarre to the ports of the Bay of Biscay. That history has left behind a historic centre with buildings and monuments spanning Gothic to Neoclassical styles, forming an urban fabric with a distinctive character.

The town has a strong cultural presence in the region. It is home to TOPIC, the International Puppet Centre, with permanent exhibitions, a theatre and a documentation centre that is a point of reference across Europe. Its carnival, one of the oldest in Gipuzkoa, and the feast of San Juan — where the Bordon Dantza dance is a defining element — are part of a deep-rooted festive calendar.

Gastronomy is another cornerstone of Tolosa. The Saturday market brings together local produce from across the comarca, and the town's cuisine is known for its black beans, ox steaks and traditional sweets among its most recognised expressions.