The Comb of the Wind, known in Basque as Haizeen orrazia, is a set of three steel sculptures by Eduardo Chillida, set into the rocks at the western end of La Concha Bay, at the foot of Monte Igueldo. Waves break around them and the wind whistles through the pipes in the platform, so the place is loud with sea and air. It is a calm spot to sit on the stone platform, watch the water and take photographs across the bay. Come early, when it is quiet, or at sunset on a warm summer day.
The sculptures and their makers
Chillida made the three steel pieces in 1976, and each one weighs over ten tons. He wanted them to comb the Cantabrian wind, and the group sits at the western end of La Concha Bay, at the foot of Monte Igueldo.
The work was arranged as an architectural whole with the Basque architect Luis Peña Ganchegui. The project began with 23 sculptures embedded in the rocks. In the end only three were kept, because together they gave the site its visual balance.
The sculptures are open at all hours, so you can visit at dawn, at midday or after dark.
What happens at high tide
The esplanade in front of the sculptures has air outlets and ducts. When waves hit the rocks and the steel, the ducts push water up through openings, and it spouts into the air.
Wind moves through pipes in the platform and comes out of round holes in its surface. On days with big waves, the sea reaches the wall and the sound of water striking the metal can be heard over the wind.
Around the Comb of the Wind
The sculptures lie at the end of Ondarreta beach. A seafront walk links the beach with the city, so you can reach the site on foot from the centre.
The Monte Igueldo funicular climbs the headland behind the site, and the view from the top is wide. There are cafes at the upper level and, in summer, an amusement park.
Nearby, the Miramar Palace was built on a spot chosen by Queen Maria Cristina in the 19th century as her summer residence. Many people walk to the sea wall in the Gros district to watch the sun go down. San Sebastián marked the centenary of Chillida's birth in 2024.
FAQ
Where is the Comb of the Wind?
It is at the end of Ondarreta beach, at the western end of La Concha Bay and at the foot of Monte Igueldo, in San Sebastián.
Is the Comb of the Wind open all day?
Yes. The sculptures are open 24 hours, every day of the week.
Is there parking near the sculptures?
The nearby parking is paid street parking.
When is the best time to see the waves?
Go at high tide, when big waves break over the rocks and the wall. Early in the morning is the quietest time to visit.
