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The municipality of San Sebastián, together with the ravine of Santiago constituted the originary canton called Hipalán. Around 1440, Hernán Peraza the Old occupied the land where the capital of the island was to be established and gave it the name of San Sebastián, probably because this saint was very respected by the Castilians. Before the island was completely conquered, the initial buildings, such as Peraza House known as "Pozo de la Aguada", the church of "La Asunción" at that time very little and the "Torre del Conde" were built. The latest is the only building which has kept its original structure.
Christopher Columbus was very welcome by the lords of the island. They offered him all the help he needed by giving him food, water and firewood to replenish the stores of his ships. On the sixth of September 1492, he departed from San Sebastián to the unknown world. The house where he lived, a very good example for Gomerian traditional architecture, has been restored and it is currently an art exhibition room.
The main economical activity of San Sebastián is based n the fact thst it is not only the administrative centre of the island, but also the main harbour. This has encouraged the development of diverse facilities, such as transport, commerce and tourism. The building industry and, to a lesser extent, the agriculture are also significant for the local economy.
From an historic and cultural point of view, we recommend visiting the "Torre del Conde", the Columbus House museum, the "Pozo de la Aguada" and the church of "La Asunción".
Turning to nature, one cannot fail to be hit by the beauty of National Park of "Garajonay", not to mention, too, the "Majona" Natural Park, "Los Roques" (huge old volcanic chimneys), the ravine of "El Cabrito" and the special reserve of "Puntallana".
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