Spanish Basque Country: five good reasons to visit Vitoria-Gasteiz

Situated on the heights, the Almendra ("the almond"), the old town that owes its name to the typical shape of its layout, is a jewel of medieval architecture. In addition to the old half-timbered houses, there are superb medieval and Renaissance palaces, such as the Bendaña, the Casa del Cordón, the Escoriaza-Esquivel, the Villasuso Palace and the Montehermoso Palace. But the treasures of the medieval center are undoubtedly the Cathedral of Santa María, a Gothic masterpiece that inspired, among others, the writer Ken Follet for his bestseller "The Pillars of the Earth", and the Church of San Miguel, which presides over the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, patron saint of the city.

For nature in the city

Named "European Green Capital" in 2012, Vitoria boasts the highest number of square meters of green space per capita. This natural wealth can be appreciated by exploring the Anillo Verde ("Green Ring"), a vast network of 47 km of green paths connecting the city's six major parks, including the Florida Park, a superb urban garden just a stone's throw from the city center, and the Salburua wetland, a paradise for migratory birds. Or venture to Lake Ullíbarri-Gamboa to enjoy the pleasures of the beach.

Vitoria-Gasteiz will delight all art lovers. The city has several major museums, including the Bibat , which brings together the Fournier Playing Card Museum and the Archaeology Museum in the Bendaña Palace, and the Artium, whose permanent collection is considered one of the best and most important of contemporary Basque and Spanish art (Miró, Picasso, Dalí, Chillida, etc.). Art can also be found on street corners, with these gigantic contemporary murals that adorn the walls of certain buildings in the medieval quarter. Not to mention the famous "Caminante," this bronze sculpture by Juan José Eguizábal that dominates the passersby on Calle Dato, in the heart of the Ensanche district.

To delight your taste buds

Like elsewhere in the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz loves its gastronomy. Hopping from bar to bar to enjoy a pintxo and a glass of wine is also a true art of living here, made all the more enjoyable by the fact that the capital of Álava offers tastings of the best Rioja wines.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is an ideal starting point for exploring the Rioja Alavesa region, a vineyard renowned worldwide for the quality of its wines. This is an opportunity to visit the wineries and taste the precious beverage, as well as to discover the cultural and historical riches of this region, which is crisscrossed by the Route of Santiago de Compostela.