vitoria

The capital of the Basque Country is Vitoria or Gasteiz as it is known in Basque. It is located in the province of Alava; whose natural heritage of is tremendously diverse. However it is Vitoria-Gasteiz with its special charm, seeming almost to be surrounded by a halo of peace and tranquility that captures the hearts of visitors to this province. Any visitor quickly feels at home in Vitoria-Gasteiz simply strolling along its wide pedestrian streets, crossing through parks and squares until reaching the urban heart of the city known as the Ensanche.

It has one of the highest percentages of "green areas" per inhabitant in the whole of Europe and as visitors stroll along it wide avenues, decorated by beautiful gardens and buildings they are reminded of the grandeur and stateliness of Vitoria. The medieval quarter is alive with charming little corners, gardens and tree-lined boulevards. The city's medieval origins mean that it contains a great deal of ancient heritage in the form of churches, palaces and ancient family homes. Remains from Roman times are also to be found in the Santiago way which passes through Alava. . Used through time as a meeting point it still maintains its legacy and is a crossroads for different routes. However, travelers passing through nowadays are far more tempted to rest a while in this majestic city.

The city has two cathedrals, one in the Gothic Style that was finished in the 15th century and the other yet to be completed. The first, The cathedral of Santa Maria, also known as the Old Cathedral you will find in the nerve centre of the city in the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca; which is presided over by the Battle of Vitoria monument and is also the site of the church of San Miguel that houses the image of the White Virgin, the city's patron saint. The commanding ancient Cathedral has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument. The surrounding area of the cathedral also preserves it historic roots and holds the most ancient streets of the city boasting the most magnificent Renaissance palaces in the capital. This historic quarter unfolds into the new suburbs of the nineteenth century Vitoria where you will find the second cathedral, The Cathedral of Maria Inmaculada, also known as New Cathedral, whose construction commenced in the early 20th century.

Vitoria is a city with one of the highest levels of "quality o life" in Spain and enjoys an intense cultural life. Especially worth mentioning is The Vitoria Jazz Festival that takes place in July every year. It brings internationally acclaimed musicians with the most varied styles to the Basque capital, brightening the streets of Vitoria for a week.

Places Of Interest

The Augusti Palace - Which houses the Museum of Fine Arts and has been declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.

Museum Fournier of Playing Cards - Located in the Bendana palace takes first place on the list of playing card museums in the world. Special attention is paid to Spanish playing cards and you can see their evolution over the history in different places in the world.

The Palace of Ajuria-Enea - Known mostly for being the headquarters of the Basque Government, it also contains monuments, history, and art of great value.

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