Basque Country: where is the best place to relax and buy real estate?
The Basque Country (País Vasco) is an autonomous community in northern Spain, on the border with France, and one of the most “untapped” regions of the country by foreigners: according to the Association of Property Registration Inspectors (Colegio de Registradores de España), in 2014 foreign buyers Only 1.5% of transactions were made here (the average in Spain is 13%).
Alava: rural landscapes and wine tourism
Among the provinces of the Basque Country, Alava is the most unpopular region among foreigners. According to the Association of Real Estate Registration Inspectors, in 2014, purchases by foreign investors accounted for only 0.8% of the total number of real estate transactions in Alava. For comparison, in Vizcaya the share of foreigners in the market is 1.4%, in Gipuzkoa - 2.0%.
Alava has many ancient towns with traditional architectureMost of Alava's territory is flat, dotted with vineyards. There are picturesque villages and medieval fortresses here. The city is interesting for culture lovers Vitoria-Gasteiz, rich in architectural monuments: palaces, monasteries, churches and simply beautiful residential buildings. But there are no resorts in Alava, since the province has no access to the sea.
But in Alava it will be interesting for fans of wine tourism. Spaniards from other regions often come here to taste wine. This is where the Marqués de Riscal wineries are located. The futuristic Starwood Hotels & Resorts, designed by the famous architect Frank Gehry, is especially popular among lovers of this drink. It offers a wine restaurant and spa wine therapy.
Real estate in Alava is cheaper than in the other two provinces of the Basque Country - on average about 2 thousand euros/m².
The layout of housing in the Basque Country differs from the layout of houses and apartments on the Mediterranean coast of Spain: in the north there are often properties with a large number of rooms. For example, there are many apartments on the market with an area of up to 550 m² with 5–8 bedrooms, and the average area of two- and three-bedroom properties can be 150–300 m². This scale is explained by the fact that historically the northern part of Spain was a vacation spot for high-ranking families and nobles, members of the royal family. In addition, having 5–8 children in a family in those days was the norm, hence the number of rooms. Large areas are also due to the peculiarities of the region’s climate: precipitation here is heavier and temperatures are lower than in the south, so local residents spend more time at home than southerners.
Vizcaya: developed economy and natural attractions
Vizcaya is one of the most prosperous and industrialized provinces of Spain. On its 80 km long coastline there are numerous resorts with sandy beaches surrounded by cliffs and many fishing villages.
The largest city in the Basque Country and the capital of Vizcaya - Bilbao. More than 350 thousand people live here. Among other things, it is the largest commercial port and one of the most dynamically developing cities in the country. Many people consider Bilbao not the most beautiful city, especially its industrial suburbs. But Bilbao also has its advantages: it is a city of entertainment with many restaurants to suit every taste. One of the symbols of the city is the Guggenheim Museum, which, like the Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Alava, was built according to the design of Frank Gehry.
15 km from Bilbao there is a beach where locals come to relax. The surrounding area has four renowned golf courses, many hiking trails, spa hotels and thermal springs; Alpine skiing is popular in the winter months, and horseback riding in the summer.
The average cost per square meter in Bilbao exceeds 3 thousand euros, but this is not yet the most expensive city for buying property in Vizcaya. You can buy an apartment with 2-3 bedrooms here at a price of approximately 110 thousand to 230 thousand euros.
Bilbao struck me as a modern and growing city with interesting architecture. It has everything a metropolitan resident needs: schools (British, American, German, French), offices, fashionable shops, medical facilities and, of course, real estate for every taste - economy class housing, mid-price range and luxury apartments in central streets. At the same time, Bilbao is a calm city with a favorable climate, parks and eco-reserves in the surrounding area. Property owners in Bilbao typically travel to the beach in Getxo (10–15 minutes by metro or car).
It is in Getxo, a town located 15 km from Bilbao, that the highest property prices in Vizcaya. A square meter here costs an average of 3,316 euros - this is one of the most expensive markets in Spain.
In the 19th century, Getcho became popular among the wealthy bourgeoisie. Nowadays, it is also in demand among wealthy people, which explains the high prices of houses and apartments. Getxo attracts buyers of luxury real estate due to its close location to Bilbao (the provincial capital can be reached from here by metro) and developed infrastructure with a lot of entertainment: there is a marina, a golf course and several sports complexes.
Northeast of Bilbao is located Bermeo(Bermeo) - a port city with a fishing harbor and a large number of fish restaurants, - and Mundaka(Mundaca) is a small resort that is interesting to everyone: surfers, gourmets, and art lovers.
Just north of Mundaka is Urdaibai, a protected natural area with marshes, lakes, sand dunes, caves and the “magical” forest of Oma (Bosque de Oma), in which pine trees grow, painted in different colors by the artist Agustín Ibarrola.
About 20 km east of the Oma forest there is a seaside town Lekeitio- one of the most beautiful places on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. This city competes with San Sebastian for the title of resort capital of the Basque Country. The calling card of Lekeitio is the turquoise sea with snow-white sailboats and a sandy beach, overlooking the nearby island of St. Nicholas (Isla de San Nicolás). The old city has a lot of interesting things: palaces, towers, churches, monasteries.
50 km from Bilbao there is a port town Elanchove(Elanchove), which is surrounded by steep cliffs covered with forest, is one of the most interesting holiday destinations in the Basque Country.
Gipuzkoa: fish restaurants and luxury accommodation
Gipuzkoa is the most popular region among foreign property buyers in the Basque Country and the smallest province in Spain. It borders the French department of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
The 50 km long coastline of Guipuzcoa is home to many fishing villages, beaches and lush cliffs. The main resorts in the province have common features: quality beaches, excellent seafood restaurants and an abundance of attractions.
The administrative center of Guipuzcoa is San Sebastian. Many people put this city on a par with such fashionable resorts as Nice and Monte Carlo; they often call it Paris on the Atlantic or Spanish Biarritz, since the central areas of San Sebastian are reminiscent of French cities in architecture. In 2013, Condé Nast Traveler named the city the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world and the first in Spain. San Sebastian attracts tourists and property buyers with its blooming gardens, summer festivals, the country's best restaurants, green hills and picturesque views of the Bay of Biscay. “This is one of the most beautiful and safest cities on the Atlantic coast. The city is popular among surfers; almost every local resident is passionate about this sport,” says Alina Batyrshina.
Many Spanish analysts call San Sebastian the most expensive real estate market in Spain. However, according to data from Fotocasa.es, a square meter in Zarautz (another city in Guipuzcoa) costs more - an average of 4,331 euros versus 4,124 euros in San Sebastian. However, in the provincial capital there are villas that are put up for sale for 5–6 thousand euros/m².
San Sebastian survived the crisis better than other cities in Spain: if in the country as a whole, housing prices fell by 40–45% from 2007 to 2015, then in this city the decrease was no more than 10%. Today, high-quality apartments here cost from 450 thousand euros to several million. Such high property prices in San Sebastian are associated with the local high standard of living (a third higher than the national level and even higher than in Madrid and Barcelona) and high salaries (about a quarter above the Spanish average).
The resort town is located 20 km from San Sebastian Zarautz. It is interesting for its three-kilometer beach (the longest in the Basque Country), as well as Narros Castle (Palacio de Narros) with a collection of Van Dyck paintings. Zarautz has been popular as a resort since the late 19th century, when many luxurious mansions were built along the coast. At different times, Queen Isabel II of Spain and Queen Fabiola de Mora y Aragón of Belgium came here for a summer holiday. Now many of the old mansions have been demolished and apartment buildings have been erected in their place. Zarautz is also famous for its good restaurants, one of which is owned by the famous Spanish chef and TV presenter Carlos Arguinano. In addition, the resort is also famous for its waves, ideal for surfing. World championships in this sport are held here. A 20-minute drive from Zarautz there is another center of attraction for surfers - a resort Deba(Deba).
A little east of Zarautz there is a fishing village Getaria(Guetaria), one of the most beautiful on the coast. The famous navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano was born here, who made the world's first trip around the world in the 16th century. Getaria has many restaurants with terraces and ancient buildings, and there is also a spacious sandy beach. Attractions include the Gothic Church of San Salvador (Iglesia de San Salvador), the Aldamar Palace (Palacio de Aldamar) and the traditional houses of San Roque Street.
About 20 km east of San Sebastian, near the border with France, there is a fishing town Fuenterrabia. It is famous for its fish restaurants and well-preserved buildings of the old town. In the summer, Madrid residents love to come here on vacation. Many Spaniards admit that the quality of local cuisine is at the same level as in San Sebastian. A square meter in Fuenterrabia costs an average of 3,600 euros.
The Basque Country is conducive to travel. Of all the cities in the region, I would recommend buyers choose San Sebastian or Bilbao. Both places are suitable for permanent residence and for holidays. San Sebastian is loved by older people, families with children, and young people. Life in this city never stops day or night, and in the summer season it is popular with tourists. Bilbao is a calmer city compared to San Sebastian, but it also has all the necessary infrastructure for living and recreation.
For families with children and youth: Bilbao, San Sebastian;
for yacht owners: Getxo, Leikeitio, Elanchove;
for gourmets: Bermeno, Bilbao,
San Sebastian, Zarautz, Fuenterrabia;
for surfers: Deba, Mundaka,
San Sebastian, Zarautz;
for golf lovers: Bilbao, Getxo;
for living all year round: Bilbao,
San Sebastian.
Yulia Kozhevnikova, Tranio
The ancient, most likely autochthonous, people of the Pyrenees Basques - self-name Euskaldunac - live in the proud, but currently not nationally independent, Basque Country, otherwise known as Greater Basque, divided into seven historical provinces: Alava, Biscaya, Gipuzkoa and the autonomous community of Navarre are included in composition of Spain; Labourdie, Zuberu and Lower Navarre are part of France. The first three are united in the Autonomous Community of Basque Country, or Basque Country, bordering the province of Navarre in northern Spain, and in France the division into provinces was abolished after the revolution (1789-1799). So, the main “country” where the Basques live is primarily the northeastern Spanish region of Baskonia. It extends from the coast of the Bay of Biscay, which limits its northern limits, to the depression of the eastern part of the Cantabrian Mountains, which constitute the tectonic continuation of the Pyrenees. In the west, Baskonia borders on other Spanish regions (Castile and Leon), in the south - on the province of Rioja. In the east, Basque country shares most of its border with Spanish Navarre (historically this is also Basque land), and a small fragment of the border near the coast is with Basque lands in France (Department of the Lower Pyrenees).
The very first settlements in the region date back to 150 thousand years BC. e. The Basque Country has shown many examples of primitive fine art of the Magdalenian culture (15-8.5 thousand years BC). On the vaults of caves - the world's oldest "art galleries" - you can see images of bison, deer, horses and other animals. One of the most important archaeological sites of Basque Country is located in its province of Vizcaya. This is the Santimaminier cave, in which ancient art is presented in development, since the earliest drawings date back to the Mousterian culture (previously 28 thousand years BC) and then date back to different times until the Iron Age (IX-VII centuries. BC.). The most ancient architecture is represented by an abundance of megalithic (made of very large blocks of wild or roughly processed stone) structures: about 800 dolmens alone were found here.
The Basques still remain one of the most mysterious and little-studied peoples. Their exact origin is still unknown: scientists can only state the fact that they lived on these lands for centuries, did not move anywhere and... did not come from anywhere. They lived in a rather closed community, and simply retreated to the mountains from potential invaders, without experiencing any inclination towards wars or aggression. Perhaps this type of isolationism allowed them to preserve to this day both their original culture and their special, isolated language, the self-name “Euskera” - pre-Indo-European, not related to any studied language. People joke: “For seven years the devil tried to learn the Basque language, but he could only remember three words,” and intelligence agencies use his system to create encryption codes. Basque/Euskera, along with Spanish/Castilian, became the official language of the Basque Country in 1982. The modern name of the people and the country arose from the Roman designation for the local tribes - “Vasconi”.
The Basques have always managed to maintain their identity: during the period of Roman rule from the 1st century BC. e. according to the 5th century n. e. they did not succumb to Latinization, then survived the invasion of the Visigoths, and even the Arabs, who captured almost the entire Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, did not break the national spirit and did not subjugate the semi-wild Basques, whose country became a stronghold of the Reconquista (the reconquest that ended with the capture of Granada in 1492). ). The Christianization of the region also took place gradually and with great difficulty.
Having preserved their national identity for thousands of years, the Basques have long lost the unity and independence of their country, but still strive by any means - from extremist to political - to regain their Euskadi.
The Basque lands formally became part of the Spanish state at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th centuries, but retained a certain degree of autonomy. In 1876, Basque Country lost its rights and finally became part of Spain, and nationalist sentiments have been roaming among the Basques ever since. All seven regions of the Greater Basque region, in particular the Spanish Basque Country and Navarre, have been seeking unification since their artificial separation, and the desire for independence does not leave them to this day.
An autonomous region called the Basque Country was created in Spain in 1936 after the victory of the Popular Front. But with the fall of the Republic in 1939, the Basque Country was deprived of self-government. According to the constitution of 1978, the Basque Country received first temporary, and from January 1980, permanent autonomy. The movement for complete separation from Spain until 2003 was led by the political party “Batasuna” (Basque: “Unity of the People”), banned for its National Socialist orientation, separatist sentiments and cooperation with the ETA group. In turn, the radical nationalist organization “ETA” (an abbreviation for the Basque “Basque Country and Freedom”), organized in 1959, continues to try to draw attention to the Basque problem by organizing terrorist attacks. True, in 2011, ETA more than once officially announced the end of “revolutionary terror” and a change in the instruments of its activities: the previous concept of a “Europe of States”, in the course of the unification of countries into the European Union, is also changing course to the concept of a “Europe of Regions”. The rights of the Basques are now going to be represented by the Amaiur coalition, which was formed to participate in the parliamentary elections and has created its own faction in the Congress of Deputies.
In the 20th century The Basque region became the center of heavy industry in Spain. The process of establishing heavy metallurgy began at the end of the 19th century, when rich deposits of iron ore were discovered in the vicinity of the city. Up to ¼ of iron ore was mined here and more than ¼ of steel and rolled metal production was created here. Metallurgy naturally concentrated in the area of historic Bilbao. There, on the shores of the Bay of Biscay, the country's two largest shipyards are located; in general, shipbuilding is well developed in the region (about 1/3 of Spanish shipyards are located). In 2010, the Basque Country overtook other provinces of Spain, and even EU countries, in terms of per capita income and GDP. But in 2011, the region experienced a financial crisis. The unemployment rate increased (up to 14.5%) and household incomes decreased. Now the focus is on the development of the financial (banking) sector, energy and services, including tourism.
The Basque coast is a fishing center. The Basques have long been considered excellent sailors. They were among the first to begin extracting whale oil, and in their fishing raids they reached the northern seas. There is even a separate museum dedicated to the fishing theme, which is located in Bermeo. The shores of the Basque Country are home to numerous fishing villages and endless beaches that attract an increasing number of tourists and athletes, since nature has created excellent conditions for surfing on the Bay of Biscay. The most prestigious resort in the bay is the capital of the province of Guipuzcoa, the city of San Sebastian in La Concha Bay.
The capital of the entire Basque region is not the industrial center and city of modern art and architecture Bilbao (the center of Vizcaya), but the quieter, but no less significant Vitoria-Gasteiz (the center of Apava) - “European Green Capital 2012”.
In this beautiful and fashionable city, many large companies have opened their representative offices, cultural life is vibrant here with festivals, banks, a university and political institutions of the Basques are located here - the parliament and the community government. The Basques sacredly cherish everything that has to do with their culture, and honor authors who, through their work, tell the world about its beauty and originality. For example, one of the famous Basque artists, Ignacio Zuloaga (1870-1945), is represented in many museums, and the work of the patriarch of Basque music, songwriter Mikel Laboa (1934-2008), influenced several generations of his compatriots.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Status: autonomous region in the Kingdom of Spain.Administrative division: provinces of Alava (capital city of Bilbao), Vizcaya (capital city of Vitoria-Gasteiz), Gipuzkoa (capital city of San Sebastian).
Capital: Vitoria-Gasteiz, 238,247 people. (2010).
Ethnic composition: Basques predominate.
Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic.
Languages: Spanish, Basque.
Currency unit: Euro.
Largest river: Nervion.
Largest cities: Bilbao - 354,860 people (2009), Vitoria-Gasteiz, San Sebastian.
Most important airport: Bilbao International Airport (Vitoria-Gasteiz and San Sebastian also have airports).
Numbers
Area: 7234 km2.Population: 2,155,546 people (2008).
Population density: 297.9 people/km 2 .
Highest point: Mount Aitksuri (1551 m).
Total length of coastline: 252 km.
The total length of the region's land borders: 686 km.
Climate and weather
On the northern coast - temperate maritime. The Northern Valleys are a climate zone of "green Spain" with high rainfall north of the mountain slopes, warm winters and cool summer months.Average January temperature:+8.7°C.
Average temperature in July:+21.3°C.
Average annual precipitation on the coast: 1200 mm.
In the central and southern parts the climate is continental.
Average annual precipitation in the central and southern parts: 300 mm.
Winters are cold, summer months are warm.
Economy
GDP per capita:€31,110 (2010), which is 33.8% higher than the national average. The Basque Country today is one of the most prosperous autonomous regions of Spain, although since the 1970s - 1980s. Production volumes are steadily declining, many industrial enterprises have closed. The emphasis in the economy is shifting from industry to services.
Industry: heavy, manufacturing (metallurgy, metalworking, mechanical engineering, steel smelting and rolling mills), mining (iron ores, lead and zinc), chemical, paper, cement, food, shipbuilding, machine tool building, production of railway equipment, electrical equipment, weapons.
Agriculture: meat and dairy farming, agriculture, viticulture, winemaking.
Fishing.
Services sector: tourism, financial.
Attractions
■ Natural: the main tourist attraction of the Basque coast is the beaches of La Concha Bay in the resort of San Sebastian; Since 2010, the coast of the province of Guipuzcoa has become the object of a global network of geoparks under the protection of UNESCO (individual natural parks: Aralar, Ayaco-Arria Pagoeta, as well as the Rio Ley Saran biozone). In the province of Vizcaya: Urdaibae Biosphere Reserve, Urquiola Natural Park, Valderejo. In the province of Ala-va: the parks of Gorbaya (part in Vizcaya), Ischi, Sierra de Etncia and Valderejo, the Lagunas de Laguardia biozone and the Maciso de Aitsgorri mountain range (part in Guipuzcoa).■ Vizcaya, Urdabay estuary, municipality of Cortesubi: Santimaminje cave.
Cultural and historical
■ City of Vitoria-Gasteiz: Basilica of St. Prudentius (XII century), Cathedral of St. Mary (XIII-XVII centuries), Church of St. Apostle Peter (XIV century), Church of St. Michael the Archangel (XIV-XVI centuries), monasteries of San Antonio and Santa Cruz (XVII century), Church of the Immaculate Virgin Mary (XX century), Plaza de España (1781), Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art of Alava, archaeological, Playing Card Museum, armory.
■ City of Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum (since 1997), Cathedral of St. James (beginning of the 14th-19th centuries), Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Archaeology, Ethnography and Basque History, Maritime Museum of the River, Church of San Nicolas de Bari ( restored in the 18th century according to the plan of the 14th century), San Anton bridge, statue of Don Diego de Haro, Getxo district (palaces and mansions 1800-1920), San Antonio Abad church (XV-XVII centuries), park Dona Casilda de Iturriza, city hall building (XIX century), sanctuary of Our Lady of Begoña, church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion (XVI-XV centuries) with a wooden sculpture of the Virgin Mary - Nuestra Señora de la Antigua ( XII century), Begoña district with a pilgrimage church (XVI century), Ensanche (new city), suspended arched pedestrian bridge Subisuri (XX century).
Curious facts
■ The Basques themselves never call themselves “Basques”. Moreover, their own language does not even have such a word. The inhabitants of this region identify themselves with the word "euskaldunak", which literally translates as "people who speak the language of Euskera".■ The Basques introduced into world fashion what we all call “berets”: this is what the rounded, small-sized traditional headdress made of soft fabric, customary among the inhabitants of the Basque region, looks like. They came into widespread production after 1928 at the instigation of French designers.
■ The city of Bilbao has had its own football club, Athletic, since 1898, which is one of the most titled in Spain: it has won the national championship eight times. Only Basques have the right to play in it. And in 1913, a football club called “Basconia” was founded in the suburbs of Bilbao.
Euskadi, or the Basque Country, is one of the places that can safely be classified as one of the most unusual historical regions not only of Spain, but also of Western Europe as a whole. Inhabited in ancient times and having managed to preserve its identity and culture, this region is worthy of close attention. By the way, neither the history of the inhabitants of these lands nor the history of the origin of its language have yet been revealed.
Basque Country - where is it?
The region that this article will focus on is often referred to as Green Spain. Its territory, stretching along the Atlantic coast, is located in the northern part of the country and is separated from the rest of the territory by the Cantabrian Mountains. And it is “green” due to the abundance of forests, a lot of rain and a mild maritime climate.
The Basque Country is an autonomous community that includes three provinces with their own capitals: Alava (Vitoria-Gasteiz), Vizcaya (Bilbao), Gipuzkoa (San Sebastian). Each of the named administrative centers is a city that can charm and make tourists fall in love with it. However, the ancient settlements scattered in the valleys between the mountains, and the stunning landscapes with mountains covered with greenery, and the blue of the ocean will also not allow you to forget the original region, forcing you to come here again and again.
The Mystery of the Basque Language
In northeastern Spain, where the Basque Country is located, bilingualism reigns. By the way, the second language indigenous to this area, Basque (Euskara or Euskera), has nothing in common with Spanish.
Some scientists are inclined to believe that he came here from Georgia. In its structure, ancient word forms were found that belong to the group of Caucasian languages, as well as to Iberian and Aquitanian dialects, which would seem to confirm this conclusion. But many terms and names that have no analogues in any known language on Earth still do not allow us to put an end to the study of the history of the origin of this dialect.
Bilbao is the best city in the world
Basques value the new and respect the old. And this can be confirmed by the amazing history of the capital of the province of Vizcaya, the city of Bilbao, founded in the 14th century. Back in 1980, it frightened tourists with its neglect and dirt: a closed port, shutdown factories, a catastrophically polluted river... But the new mayor performed a miracle, and in 10 years the city became beautiful, convenient for both residents and guests, from of which there is no end here now.
The Basque Country, whose attractions can be listed for a long time, has been enriched with new stunning art objects. And this was facilitated by the decision of the city authorities to invite the best European architects for construction.
Thus, the original entrances to the Bilbao metro are called “fosterite” in honor of the famous English architect Norman Foster (by the way, you can take the metro here all the way to the ocean). And in the very center of the city, on the site of abandoned wine warehouses, Philippe Starck designed a cultural and sports center, which is included in all textbooks on architecture. The building of the Mariot Hotel is a masterpiece of the Mexican Ricardo Legfetta, and designed by F. Sorano and D. Palacios, it is recognized as the best parliamentary building in the world. No wonder that in 2010 Bilbao received the title of the best city in the world and the World City Award!
San Sebastian
80 km from Bilbao is another large city of the Basque country and the capital of the province - San Sebastian, which is home to about 200 thousand people. The road between the settlements is amazing - it stretches along the ocean shore, opening up a beautiful panorama of the ancient region. And San Sebastian itself looks like a shining shell located on the shores of La Concha Bay.
By the way, it is considered one of the most beautiful and expensive cities in Spain. 100 years ago it became the summer residence of the kings, which naturally pushed its development, and now San Sebastian is another capital, the administrative center of the province of Guipuzcoa. The city shines with cleanliness and pomp. And since 1953, the famous film festival has been held here annually in September. In July, jazz lovers come here from all over the world.
Vitoria-Gasteiz - a city for walking
The capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, can safely be called a city where walking is a national sport. And this is not surprising, because there are 30 km of pedestrian streets, 100 thousand trees and 45 m² of green space for each resident. Such conditions have led to Vitoria becoming a city with the highest quality of life.
On sunny days, locals waste no time - they fill the narrow cobbled streets, strolling between the many shops, or visit the small, delicious-smelling pastry shops. After all, where there is coolness, everyone loves sweets very much, and this is an immutable law!
The city administration has provided more than 4 million bicycles for use by its residents to replace cars. For this purpose, in Vitoria there are special parking lots where you can take a two-wheeled vehicle and then leave it after a long time of use.
A ring of parks was created along the entire perimeter of the city, and thanks to this, settlements of nutria, deer and wild cats appeared just 4 km from the city center.
Sights of Vitoria-Gasteiz
In 1181, Sancho VII of Navarre awarded the settlement of Vitoria the title of city. Its medieval layout has since undergone some changes, but, nevertheless, has survived to this day almost untouched. New buildings appeared in place of old buildings, but the street markings remained the same.
The oldest building in the city is the Utrada de Anda tower, built in the 13th century. In addition, the city has four beautiful Gothic cathedrals: St. Mary's, built in the 12th century, the Church of the Apostle Peter (14th century), as well as San Vincento and San Miguel (14th century), where the patroness of the city Belaya found shelter Mother of God.
Once in the capital of the entire Basque Country, one cannot help but visit the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art, museums of natural history, archeology, Alava weapons and sacred art. By the way, there is even a museum of playing cards in the city, since this is where their production is established.
There is also a lot of interesting things to do around the capital
The beauty of the suburb also plays a very important role in the special charm of Vitoria. After all, almost every quiet and cozy village around the capital has its own historical monument. It could be an ancient stone mansion, decorated with a proud family coat of arms, or a colorful church. Thus, in the village of Mendoza you can visit the very interesting Museum of Heraldry, and in Salvatierra the attention of tourists will definitely be attracted by the Church of Santa Maria and the ancient fortress.
The Basque Country is rightfully proud of its wine-making traditions. Therefore, having been here, you cannot help but visit the Rioja Alavesa region, famous for its vineyards. It is especially interesting here in September, during the colorful Harvest Festival, which brings together not only local residents, but also numerous tourists.
How to relax in the Basque Country: reviews from tourists
People in Euskadi love holidays, and that’s probably why there are a lot of them there. Holiday fairs, carnival processions, shepherd dog competitions, bull races, tomato fights - these are just a small part of what can be seen in this seemingly measured and calm region.
People come to the Basque Country for the holidays from all over Spain and other European countries, because, perhaps, only here you can see so much fun, endless joy of life and confidence that everything around is beautiful. The Basques know how to have fun like no one else, devoting themselves to it with all their hearts, and those who have attended the city festival at least once strive to come here again.
Where to visit when visiting the Basque Country
When planning to go to Euskadi, be sure to plan your route, since there are a lot of places in this region that simply cannot be missed without deigning your attention. Bilbao is one of them, but the Basque Country is able to offer other unique objects:
- the chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, located on a high cliff near Bilbao;
- the majestic Cathedral in San Sebastian, like two peas in a pod, similar to the famous one;
- the longest labyrinth underground, in the vicinity of Oñati;
- improbable winery Marcus de Richa, erected
Don’t forget to ride a bike through the quiet streets of medieval Vitoria, feast on octopus in one of the cozy restaurants of Getaria, taste the best wines in Laguardia, test yourself in surfing in Mundaka, discover a huge number of secluded wild beaches on the Costa Basque and understand what this region has become for to your loved ones and acquaintances. Have a great holiday in the Basque Country!
The Basque Country, also known as Basque Country or Euskadi (Pais Vasco, Euskadi) is undoubtedly one of the most mysterious and distinctive historical regions in all of Western Europe. The Basque Country occupies the territory of northern Spain and the southeastern part of France, it is inhabited by the most ancient European people, who managed to preserve their rich culture, traditions, identity, as well as their original language. The Basque Country is one of 17 autonomous regions in Spain. Autonomous status was obtained in 1979.
The Basque Country in Spain consists of three provinces: Alava - the capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Vizkaya - the capital of Bilbao and the province of Gipuzcoa - the capital of San Seastian. This also includes the vast province of Navarre, inhabited by Basques, which is not administratively part of the Basque Country. The provinces of Lapurdie, Zuberoa and Lower Navarre make up the French Basque Country. The official administrative capital of the Basque Country in Spain is Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spanish - Vitoria, Basque - Gasteiz) Euskal-Herria - this is what the Basques themselves call these lands, literally means “Land where they speak the Basque language” French Basque Country Northern Euskadi is called Iparraldea, and the Spanish one is Southern Euskadi - Hegoaldea.
“The story about the history of any people usually begins with the word “came” - in such and such a century the Celts came there, the Iberians - there, the Visigoths - there... In violation of established traditions, the story about the Basques should begin like this: “The Vascon tribes have lived on their land since time immemorial, probably since the very creation of the world...” There is almost no exaggeration in this formulation, and the proof of this is the sensational discoveries of archaeologists, which completely changed the idea of when the European continent was inhabited.Not so long ago, in the north of Spain in Atapuerca, scientists discovered the jaw of the ancestor of a person of the modern physical type (Homo antecessor) who lived one million 200 thousand years ago! Moreover, this find is not the only one - since the beginning of the 90s, numerous remains of ancient people and primitive tools have been discovered in Atapuerca , animal bones, with drawings scratched on them. The likelihood that the ancient inhabitants of the Ebro River valley are the ancestors of the Basques is very high. It’s not only about the geography of the settlement of the ethnic group - the Basque Euskara language itself testifies to the greatest antiquity of this people. Euskara is not associated with any language in the world and, apparently, arose “from scratch” at the dawn of mankind, becoming the first language of southern Europe. In ancient times, the Basques inhabited not only the Iberian Peninsula, but also part of the territory of France and Belgium, but gradually other peoples who came to Europe pushed them to the very ends of the earth under the protection of the Cantabrian Mountains. This territory became the last bridgehead from which there was no longer a path to retreat. The Basques, hardworking creators, often had to take up the sword, in fierce battles defending not only their lands, but also the very right to exist as a single people. In ancient times they opposed the Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Franks, Normans; in the Middle Ages - to the Moors, and much later - to Napoleonic guards. Throughout their history, the people of Euskadi have not submitted to any invader, and even the mighty Rome was only able to partially conquer the Basque territories. It was this fanatical resilience that allowed the Basques to preserve their unique language and traditions. For Rome, they remained a mysterious, incomprehensible and unconquered people of seers, famous throughout the empire for their art of foreseeing the future. And yet, not a single soothsayer could predict what fate awaited both the Roman Empire and the Basques themselves...
Rome fell, swept away by an avalanche of barbarians, and cruel suffering swept over the Iberian Peninsula. Then the barbarians were replaced by the Visigoths, and several centuries later new invaders - the Arabs and Moors (Berbers). In 709, they invaded the territory of the Visigothic Kingdom (the southern neighbor of the Basques), and five years later they already controlled almost the entire peninsula. Only a small area between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay, inhabited by Cantabras, Asturs and Basques, remained unoccupied. The remnants of the Visigothic army who fled to Asturias received the support of the local population, and in 718 they defeated the Moors for the first time. This date is considered to be the beginning of the Reconquista (reconquest) - the process of liberation by Christians of lands occupied by Muslims. The Reconquista lasted almost eight centuries and ended only in 1492.
During the early Middle Ages, several Basque states were located on the territory of Euskadi, which retained their independence until the 11th-14th centuries. However, the strengthening of Spanish statehood led to the fact that by the beginning of the 16th century the Basques formally became part of the kingdom. However, it should be noted that, despite the partial loss of Basque sovereignty, the Spanish monarchs recognized the independence of this people, as evidenced by many documents of that era.
The turn of the 15th-16th centuries, marked by the completion of the Reconquista and the discovery of America, became a turning point for Spain that changed the history of the country. The Spanish state owed much of its power to the Basques, whose role in the discovery and development of the American continent can hardly be overestimated. The sailors of Euskadi probably crossed the Atlantic more than once before Columbus, and therefore it is no coincidence that the Basques became the core of the Genoese expedition and the captains of all his caravels. The participation of the Basques in the colonization of the New World, their active mediation in trade with France, Italy and England, and the development of the metallurgical and shipbuilding industries created a powerful economic basis for the development of Spain.
The intersection of economic interests, as well as the relative weakness of the central government, allowed Euskadi to maintain a special status for several centuries. Privileges in trade, taxation, military service, administration and foreign relations were enshrined in the code of Basque laws (fueros), and had to be confirmed by each Spanish monarch upon his accession to the throne. The king was to visit the spiritual capital of Euskadi, Guernica, and swear before the sacred oak tree to respect the rights and freedoms of the Basques.
Until the middle of the 19th century, the Basque provinces of Araba (Alava), Gipuzkoa and Vizcaya retained their ancient cartas, but the intensified forced Spanishization of Euskadi, Catalonia and Galicia at that time became the main reason for the Basques to join the Carlist movement. The sad result of participation in two Carlist wars (dynastic wars between two branches of the Spanish Bourbons in the 30s and 70s of the 19th century) for the Basques was first a partial and then a complete loss of autonomy and the abolition of fueros.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Euskadi had lost its freedom, but retained a leading role in the Spanish economy. More than half of the total number of Spanish ships were built in the shipyards of the Basque Country, 45% of the turnover of the Spanish merchant fleet was also provided by supplies from the Basque provinces, and by the 30s of the 20th century the Basques were mining half of all iron ore and smelting three quarters of all Spanish steel... ........"
Elena Artamonova
Curiosity, mystery, anxiety, wariness. Such words appeared in my head when the words Basque Country were uttered.
Why country? After all, I’m already in the country of Spain?
Why a mystery? Being part of Spain and speaking Castilian, a member of the Indo-European family of languages, the Basque Country has a language unlike any other in existence. The origin of this language remains unclear.
After reading a sentence in Basque, the thought arises about the similarity of phonetics with Etruscan. The same impression occurs when comparing the Georgian and Basque texts: Cargo. Kat "si sin movida - “A man has come.” Basque. Kac-i midis - “A man is coming.” http://www.garshin.ru/
Anxiety and wariness due to the famous nationalist separatist organization ETA (Basque Country and Freedom). What are they fighting for, what do they want?
I searched for answers to these questions for several days on my short trip to the Basque Country.
On the Atlantic coast of Spain between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains is the autonomous region of the Basque Country, whose name in Basque sounds like Euskadi.
The glory of the Basque Country comes from its people, from its language, from its people - energetic, strong, resilient, as if carved from stone, hardened in the fight against an unruly and stormy ocean, winds, endless rains and fogs.
The Basque Country is located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula and consists of three provinces: Alava, Vizcaya, Gipuzkoa.
This is the autonomous region of Euskadi or otherwise Baskonia with its capital in the city of Vitoria.
Vitoria is the name of the city in Spanish and the Basque name Gasteiz is added to this name.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is a city with a population of 241 thousand people. The government and parliament meet in the capital, Vitoria-Gasteiz.
In 2012, the city became the green capital of Europe, and in 2014 the gastronomic capital of Spain.
The heart of the capital of the Basque Country, Virgen Blanca Square
Snow-white Virgin Mary. White color is purity and purity. The legend about the appearance of the cult of the Snow-White Virgin Mary is associated with Rome, where in the summer of 352 snow unexpectedly fell and one of the four papal basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore was erected on this site.
Every year on December 4th, a character from the Celedón folk festival descends from the bell tower of the San Miguel tower.
In the center of the square is a monument to the victory in the battle of 1813 over the French troops of Joseph Bonaparte.
After the defeat of the French, the British allies discovered paintings by Spanish artists in the French convoy. It is for this reason that in London, in the mansion of the Dukes of Wellington, a large collection of Spanish paintings is kept.
Gothic Church of St. Peter the Apostle, XIV century. The portico of this church with scenes of the acts of Mary and Peter the Apostle.
The façade of this church faces Machete Square. Machete is a long, wide knife. In everyday life of peasants in Latin America, it is used for harvesting sugar cane. In Medieval Vitoria, the machete was an instrument of justice - they cut off the hand of someone who did not fulfill a promise. The townspeople do not object to the return of such a tradition.
A street with countless restaurants. Correria kalea - in Basque. In addition to the famous pintxos appetizers, in Vitoria they prepare blood sausages - morcillos, fabada - roast in all sorts of variations, and octopus on coals.
Carefully! Do not enter this street hungry. It always smells like delicious food here. Pipes from all restaurants are located in one place.
Household little things are also interesting to know. Rains from the Bay of Biscay are an integral part of life; people get used to them and take them into account.
An excellent decision by the city authorities to give away the old city walls for graffiti. They paint the walls not just with whatever comes to mind, but each theme is coordinated with the mayor's office and repeats a historical episode. For example, in front of you is a silk market.
Majestic arch, entrance to the territory of the old city 
The path to the relics of St. James in Vitoria runs at the foot of the old Cathedral. On this same street, in an ancient house, you will be fed so that you will remember for a long time, rolling your eyes to the sky.
One of the most beautiful and famous palaces in Vitoria is named after the Marquises of Montehermoso. Maria Pilar Acedo, the young wife of the Marquis of Montehermoso, fell in love with Joseph Bonaparte when their Majesty deigned to attend a gala dinner in his honor held in this palace.
Palace of Villasuso. 1539 Renaissance.
Contains a unique 16th-century tapestry with scenes from Huída de Eneas y su familia de Troya. Currently it houses the Palace of Congresses
Bell tower of the late Gothic church of San Vicente Mártir. The church was built in Vitoria during the era of King Sancho VI of Navarre.
Sancho VI the Wise was the first of the kings to call himself King of Navarre.
10 features of Vitoria - Gasteiz that can be included in your travel program:
1. On foot or by bicycle (the mayor’s office provides it for free) take a stroll through the Green Capital of Europe.
2.Visit the Old Cathedral in construction helmet
3. Have a snack at the pintxos bar with the most exquisite “pintxos-winners” of gastronomic competitions.
4. Tasting, and this is a whole art, such wines that you will then look for in all other cities of Spain.
5. In July, listen to the world's best performers at a jazz festival
6. Visit the Bibat Museum, a museum of archeology and playing cards.
7. Take a look at the pastry shops of the city called Goya, an integral part of the local flavor.
8. Fortress walls that can take you back to the Middle Ages.
9. Walk a part of the pilgrimage route to the relics of St. James.
10. Take a unique route through modern wall paintings.
Everything about the Basques in the book:
Baroja H. Caro. Basque. Translation from Spanish. 2004. 320 p.
Basque Country. Vitoria - Gasteiz. Excursions with a Russian guide.
The article was prepared by Raisa Sinitsyna.
Contacts:
34 690240097 (WhatsApp/Viber)
Read on the blog:
- February 4, 2019 (0)
When you look at the documents of the Spaniards,
you gasp: “God, what names, what surnames! This is just a lesson in
history of Spain. Here you have the Visigoths, and the Jews, and the Moors, and the Reconquista, and
Inquisition" - March 8, 2019 (2)
Since 1994, the capital of Andalusia, Seville, has hosted Flamenco Fashion Week.
SIMOF 2019 is a silver anniversary salon!!! 
August 14, 2019 (0)
There are two main types of jamon - Jamon Serrano and Jamon Iberico, often called "pata negra" or "black leg".- April 4, 2019 (1)
On August 10, 1519, Magellan's flotilla set off down the Guadalquivir River towards the town of San Lucar de Barrameda, located at the mouth where the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean. On the sails of the ships is the cross of St. James, the patron saint of Spain. Magellan sails on the flagship Trinidad. On board the ships there is provisions designed for two years, although the newly appointed admiral himself has no idea how long the voyage will last.
Details of this legendary journey [...] - April 22, 2019 (2)
They are back! They were the first to circumnavigate the globe! These living dead are surrounded by jubilation, they are offered food, they are invited into homes, but first of all, the sailors must fulfill their vow.
Barefoot, in white shrouds, with lit candles in their hands, they go to the cathedral to pray to the Virgin Mary of Antigua, to thank the Lord for salvation. […]
