The area was populated, specifically by the Basque, during the first centuries AD. Curiously enough, the area got involved neither in the Romanization, nor in the Arab invasion. The Basque name “Donostia”, seems to have its origins in a deformation of Done Bastián (meaning San Sebastián -St. Sebastian- ). From the beginning, around the year 1100, it was a small fishing port that had no significance until the 19th century, when trading activities increased and a few industries established on the right side of the Uremea river bank (nowadays called Gross district). Subsequently, it became the preferred summer site for the Madrilenian Court. These changes imposed a definite “city air” where ancient buildings such as the “Buen Pastor” Cathedral and the Neo-Gothic “San Vicente” church, increased their value, together with some more modern constructions such as the Miramar Palace (18th century) and the Diputación -County Council building-.