Vitoria Spain. Vitoria
In 1181, Sancho VI the Wise, King of Navarre founded the city of "New Victoria (Nueva Vitoria)" as a defensive outpost on a hilltop on the site of the previous settlement, Gasteiz. In 1200, the city was captured by the troops of Alfonso VIII of Castile, who annexed the city to the Kingdom of Castile. The city was enlarged and in 1431 it was granted the title of city by King Juan II of Castile.
The main episode in the later history of Vitoria-Gasteiz is the Battle of Vitoria during the Peninsular War, which took place on June 21, 1813. The French troops were completely defeated by the Duke of Wellington and French control over Spain was ended. There is a monument commemorating this battle that stands in the main square of the city, known as the Monument of Independence - Monumento la Independencia. The city of Vitoria in Brazil was named after Vitoria - Gasteiz.
The old part of the city (El Casco Viejo), which is located on a hill, is very well preserved and contains many wonderful architectural and historical monuments: Casa del Cordon (house of the 15th century), the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria (XIV century), Museum of Archeology (XVI century) and Torre de Dona Otxanda (tower housing the Museum of Natural Sciences). The extension (el ensanche) was built south of the old city center during the 19th century and contains the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca with the Church of San Miguel, Los Arquillos (Gallery), and the New Plaza (or Plaza de España, a square where a street market is held every Sunday morning). Further south is Fray Francisco Avenue, a wide street lined with mansions, many of which have recently been converted to public use: Ajuria Enea Palace (home of Lehendakari), Museum of Art, Museum of Weapons (Museo de la Armeria) and the Map Museum (Museo Fournier de Naipes).
The economy of Vitoria-Gasteiz is diverse and many manufacturing firms have their offices in the city, including Mercedes-Benz, Michelin and Heraclio Fournier. The city has the second best standard of living among Spanish cities, and the city also has many green areas and cultural places.
Vitoria-Gasteiz hosts two annual international music festivals:
1. International Jazz Festival in Vitoria-Gasteiz, from 10th to 16th July
2. Azkena rock music festival, at the end of August and beginning of September.
The Humanities Section of the University of the Basque Country is located in the southern part of the city. Focusing on history and linguistics, the Alava campus also has a Faculty of Pharmacology, as well as several other technical, pedagogical and business departments.
Spain Vitoria attractions
| Basque Museum of Modern Art Palace of Ahuria Enea Casa del Cordon Diocesan Museum of Religious Art of Alava Natural Science Museum of Alava Monastery of St. Anthony Monastery of the Holy Cross New Cathedral Square of Our Lady of Blanca Vitoria Cathedral |
Many tourists, and my husband and I were no exception, when planning a trip to the Basque Country, are faced with the question: is it worth going to Vitoria-Gasteiz? How interesting is it to spend your precious vacation time there? Now that we have gotten to know this beautiful Basque city, walked through its old streets, admired the ancient churches, and enjoyed the excellent food, the answer is obvious: the trip is worth it. A visit to Vitoria left a wonderful aftertaste, and when we were there, the thought constantly crept in about how nice it would be to live in such a city.
How to get there
Undoubtedly, the cheapest and fastest way to get to Spain is by plane. True, getting to Vitoria today is only possible by land transport from other Spanish cities. The fact is that Vitoria airport has not accepted regular passenger flights in recent years, although in 2017 the ubiquitous Ryanair opened two: on and on. So perhaps the situation will change in the near future.
By plane
The most convenient flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg are to Barcelona. Since in any case you will have to fly from St. Petersburg to Spain with a transfer, you can additionally consider the option via. The cost of the flight in all cases will be approximately the same and will be about 250 EUR; travel time and a more precise amount depend only on your luck and the layout of the route. You can see ticket price options. By purchasing tickets in advance, you can save some money.
What are the prices for holidays?
- The average cost of a double room is 50 EUR.
- Lunch (menu del dia: 2 courses, drink and dessert) – 9-16 EUR.
- A glass of wine/beer – from 1.5-2 EUR.
- Pincho – from 1 EUR.
- Dinner for two with a bottle of wine – from 50 EUR.
- Ticket to the museum – 3-5 EUR.
- Travel by bus/tram – 1.4/1.45 EUR.
- Taxi: minimum amount – 6.4 EUR, during the day – 2 EUR/km, at night – 3 EUR/km.
Clue:
Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things
Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub
Main attractions. What to see
Vitoria-Gasteiz can hardly boast of world-class attractions, but the whole city is simply imbued with a historical atmosphere, and walking around it is a sheer pleasure. It’s difficult and probably unnecessary to single out the TOP 5 in such a small town, because even in one day you’ll have time to see everything. Except that it will be difficult to fully enjoy the spirit of Vitoria and visiting pintxos bars during this time. But I will try to highlight the very best, and I will write in detail about these attractions in the appropriate sections.
Top 5
- Cathedral of Santa Maria or, as the whole city calls it, the Old Cathedral.
- White Beard Square (Plaza La Virgen Blanca).
- Fournier Playing Card Museum.
- Florida Park.
- The fifth, but by no means the last point on this sheet I will put pintxos bars in Vitoria.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
The four towers form the skyline of Vitoria and are essentially its symbol, captured in many images. The four towers remained in our memory, and, of course, we did not miss any of them.
All four are the bell towers of churches: the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of St. Apostle and the Church of San Vicente Martir. All of them are located in the old quarter of Vitoria and they all have a long history.
Cathedral of Santa Maria (Old Cathedral)
The cathedral is located on a high hill, and it was from here that the construction of the old city of Vitoria began. The cathedral was founded in the 12th century; construction was finally completed only in the 14th century. This is a Gothic cathedral with impressive walls, which originally had defensive purposes and were part of the city fortifications.
Despite the fact that St. Mary's Cathedral is currently in the woods, and the reconstruction is unknown when it will be completed, I strongly recommend visiting it. It became possible to get inside the restored object thanks to the project "Abierto por Obras" (Open for work). Excursions are held as part of the project; during the season it is better to sign up in advance, because there may not be tickets available. It is very interesting to watch the work of restorers and see medieval walls in the process of restoration. It is impossible to get inside the cathedral individually without a guided tour.
This cathedral inspired Paulo Coelho, Jose Saramago, and its most grateful admirer is Ken Follett, who, under the impression, wrote “The World Without End,” the sequel to “The Pillars of the Earth.” The city decided to perpetuate the memory of the writer and installed a bronze statue of him at the entrance.
Church of the Archangel Michael
This 14th-century church is located in one of the city's most famous squares, La Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. On the porch of this church, on August 5th, a sculpture of the White Virgin (Virgen Blanca), the patroness of the city, is installed, and thousands of people pass by it, performing the traditional Basque dance “Aurresku”.
St. Peter's Church
One of the most significant Gothic architectural sites in northern Spain. This church, like St. Mary's Cathedral, was located in a place of strategic importance and was a defensive structure. The most interesting is the portico with elaborate stone carvings.
Church of San Vicente Mártir
The list is completed by the church of San Vicente Mártir, built in the 15th-16th centuries. I strongly advise you not to be lazy and go up closer to it; from the balustrade of the church you will have a beautiful view of one of the most iconic squares of the city - Plaza de Machete.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin Mary (New Cathedral)
Vitoria-Gasteiz is a city of two cathedrals. The new cathedral in the neo-Gothic style, the last of the great cathedrals of Spain, one of the largest in the country, was erected at the beginning of the last century. The main value of the cathedral lies in the wealth of sculptural decoration in the Art Nouveau style. Also located here is the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art of the Province of Alava. We liked the cathedral; it’s hard to imagine Vitoria without it.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
Artium
The Basque Museum of Contemporary Art Artium is one of the most attractive cultural centers in the city. Its collection began in the late 70s of the last century, and today the museum is very interesting for connoisseurs and connoisseurs of modern art. Here you will find paintings by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and many others. The museum regularly hosts interesting exhibitions.
Museum address: Francia Kalea, 24, 01002 Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Opening hours: on weekdays from 11:00 to 20:20, break from 14:00 to 17:00, on Saturday and Sunday without a break, Monday – closed.
Cost of attendance: 5 EUR for adults; students, unemployed and pensioners decide for themselves whether and how much to pay. The same “tariff” applies every Wednesday and the last weekend of the month for everyone.
Bibat
Literally 50 meters from Artium there is the Bibat museum complex, which includes two museums: the Archaeological Museum and the Playing Card Museum. The 16th-century Renaissance Bendaña Palace and the modern brutalist building, placed inside a multi-ton bronze frame, represent exactly the harmonious combination of old and new that is so characteristic of the Basque Country.
Fournier Playing Card Museum
In 1868, a 19-year-old young man, Eraklio Fournier, opened a lithographic workshop in Vitoria for the production of playing cards. His grandson Felix Alfaro not only continued his grandfather’s work and expanded production, he collected a unique collection of playing cards from all over the world. In 1984, the collection was purchased by the Alava Provincial Council. Initially it was located at the Museum of Fine Arts, but the number of exhibits was too large. Ten years later the collection moved to the Bendaña Palace.
The museum exhibits maps of various shapes: round, rectangular, square. There are cards made of parchment, paper and silk. The oldest deck dates back to 1460. In the Middle Ages, cards were one of the signs that determined the status of the owner.
Archaeological Museum
The archaeological museum displays more than 1,500 exhibits dating back to various eras of the province's history, from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. The building project was awarded a major European prize in 2009.
Bibat opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:30.
- Saturday: 10:00 to 14:00.
- Sunday and holidays: from 11:00 to 14:00.
- Monday: closed.
Cost of visiting: 3 EUR, every first Saturday of the month is free (complex ticket, it includes visits to two museums).
Parks
Vitoria-Gasteiz is a very green city, the number of its parks exceeds four dozen. This is the choice of citizens; the huge number of parks says a lot about the city authorities. I'll tell you about some green areas of the city.
Florida Park
This park is located in the city center, and its layout clearly shows the influence of 19th century French gardens. Ponds, bridges, grottoes, benches, fountains and statues, and a music pavilion located in the center of the park preserve an atmosphere of romanticism. The park was founded in 1820, and the townspeople love it very much. There are about 100 species of trees, and a botanical route is marked.
Green Ring (Anilo Verde)
The pride of Vitoria is the Green Ring, which almost inextricably encircles the city. Today, the Green Ring consists of six parks: Armentia, Olarizu, Salburua, Zabalgana, Zadorra y Errekaleor. This is 30 km of green zone, completely restored natural areas. The project, begun in 1993, is nearing completion, and then the “ring” will close and the entire city will be surrounded by a natural area.
One of the most interesting and iconic is Salburua Park, which is a wetland area with two bird-watching observatories. You can also see deer living there in the park.
Tourist streets
The historical center of Vitoria can be divided into two parts: the neoclassical district of El Ensanche and the medieval city (Casco Medieval).
It is better to start your walk from El Ensanche, because it is here, on Plaza España, that the tourist office is located, where you can get a map of the city and other interesting information.
The train station and Piazza di Spagna are connected by the pedestrian calle Dato, a street lined with countless bars, shops and urban sculptures, many of which reflect the city's good sense of humor.
The most recognizable square in the city is the Plaza de La Virgen Blanca; it is incredibly beautiful; in addition, Vitoria’s main festival starts from here in August. In the center of the square, the La Batalla Vitoria monument was erected; it was erected in 2012 in honor of the fact that the city was recognized as the Green Capital of Europe.
The building with the colonnade, Los Arquillos, attracts attention; this architectural design of the eighteenth century fits perfectly into the hilly terrain of the city.
Having risen to Matxete Square, we already find ourselves in a medieval city, so, as I said, the boundaries are very arbitrary. Along Fray Zacarias street, we head to the Escoriaza-Esquivel Palace, which belonged to the court physician of the English King Henry VIII and Emperor Charles V. The palace was built in the 16th century; it is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the Basque Country.
Continuing your walk towards the Cathedral of St. Mary, Burullerías Square is not to be missed. Here you can completely immerse yourself in the Middle Ages.
And also quickly return back to the present. The graffiti in Vitoria is very interesting, created by many workshops, there is even a special route for inspection. 
The street Hererria will lead to the Church of the Saint and to the Provincial Square.
On the other side of the hill is another popular street in Vitoria - calle Cuchilleria, simply called Kutxi. The name of the street was given by the King of Castile in the 13th century; many knife-making workshops were located here at that time. Now this is one of the main pintxos places in the city. A must visit.
What to see in 1 day
As I already mentioned, Vitoria is a small city, and you can see almost everything in one day: walk through the historical center, visit one of the museums, go on an excursion to the Old Cathedral, and experience gastronomic pleasures. Plan the route as it suits you, or better yet, walk without a plan, even if you suddenly miss something, it will be made up for by the unique atmosphere of Vitoria. This is the map you can download and pick up at the tourist office.
In addition to the usual tourist map, you will be provided with many different booklets, the most valuable, in my opinion, are the pintxos routes.
When mentioning the Basque country, many people immediately imagine that its capital is the city of Bilbao. However, it is not. Its capital is the city of Vitoria. It is located in northern Spain and has also become the main city of the Spanish province of Alava. The presence in a city with almost a thousand-year history of a mass of attractions, museums with works of great masters and an atmosphere of hospitality and an eternal fiesta attracts tourists to visit Vitoria.
History of the city of Vitoria
Until the 5th century AD, the Basque country was subject to the Roman Empire. But by the 15th century, the power of Navarre and Castile was finally established here. In 1181, the monarch of Navarre, Sancho the Wise, decided to build a fortress on the site of a small village on a hill to defend against neighboring Castile. This is how the city of Vitoria appeared. By the 13th century the city had become a center for the wool industry and metal trade. In 1813, a battle took place under the walls of Vitoria, the result of which was the complete liberation of Spain from Napoleon’s troops. After the Basque country received autonomy within Spain in 1979, the very next year Vitoria became the administrative center of the entire autonomous entity. Today this city houses the Parliament and Government of the Basque Country.
Vitoria on the world map
Sights of Vitoria
The main attraction of Vitoria is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, the construction of which took 6 centuries and ended only in the 19th century. The building is decorated with a beautiful Gothic-style façade and various sculptures of saints and the Virgin Mary. The interior of the cathedral is rich in medieval paintings.
Church of San Pedro The Old Town area is home to many mansions from the Middle Ages, various squares, the most beautiful of which is considered to be the Plaza de España, as well as the ancient 14th-century churches of San Pedro and San Miguel.
Ahuria-Enea Palace Vitoria is also famous for its ancient palaces with original architecture. The most famous of these are the Ahuria Enea Palace, the Palacio de Esquibel and the Palacio de Bandana, which houses a museum with exhibits that include more than 15,000 items related to card games.
The main city museum is the Atrium - a museum of modern art, replete with art objects and works by contemporary artists not only from Spain, but also from all over the world.
Museum of Fine Arts At the Museum of Fine Arts, visitors can see a stunning collection of paintings and sculptures.
In Vitoria, it will also be interesting to visit the Museum of Arms, where you can view examples of weapons from various historical eras and periods, the Museum of Natural History with its various collections of botanical and zoological exhibits, or the Museum of Archaeology.
Population of Vitoria
The population of Vitoria is mainly Basque. About 250,000 people live here.
Vitoria became the birthplace of the famous African explorer and traveler Manuel Iradier. Koldo, the head coach of the Andorran national football team, was born here. Ramiro de Maestu was born in Vitoria, who became one of the ideological founders of the Franco regime.
Climate and ecology
The best months to visit Vitoria are July, August and September. At this time it is not too hot here, but the thermometer often rises to +30 0 C. Winters in Vitoria are cold, and in spring it often rains.
The environmental situation in Vitoria is good. Clean air and the absence of large industrial enterprises have a positive effect on the atmosphere.
Summary
Do you want to visit a city with a rich history and a whole scattering of historical attractions? Vitoria is the place for you! Fans of modern entertainment will be able to visit various festivals that are held here periodically, and adherents of gastronomic tourism will be able to enjoy real original Basque cuisine.
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Vitoria located in the province of Alava, in the north, being the administrative capital, as well as the second largest city. These fertile lands have long been famous for favorable conditions for winemaking and agricultural development, as well as an abundance of greenery and beautiful natural landscapes. Now, the city is well known for its large manufacturing companies, is highly respected among tourists and has an impressive number of architectural structures related to the cultural and historical heritage of the region.
Peculiarities
One of the main advantages of Vitoria is its old district of El Casco Viejo, which is located on a hill and has a whole scattering of interesting attractions. In addition, the provincial capital has a lot of temples and monasteries, combined with flower beds and dense green vegetation, complementing the appearance of the city and giving it a fair amount of charm. The cultural program of your stay here seems extremely rich, including visits to museums, monuments and other interesting places. The city infrastructure has a high level of organization, with comfortable hotels, cozy restaurants, many shops, shopping malls and entertainment venues. Suburban transport links are also excellent here, providing quick connections with other regions of Spain.
general information
The area of Vitoria is just over 276 square meters. km, with a population of about 230 thousand people. Time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in the summer. Official website www.vitoria-gasteiz.org.
A brief excursion into history
According to one of the historical versions, the city was founded in 581 by the Visigoth king Leovigild, and was called Victoriacum. However, the official date of his birth is considered to be 1181, when the Navarrese king Sancho VI the Wise created the outpost of Nueva Victoria, on the territory of the previous settlement of Gasteiz. At the very beginning of the 13th century, it was captured by the troops of King Alfonso VII, after which the local lands were transferred to the kingdom of Castile. Soon, Vitoria became a prosperous center of the wool industry and iron trade, and in 1431 the village acquired city status, granted to it by the Castilian ruler Juan II. In subsequent centuries, the most significant event in the history of the city was the battle between the British and French in the summer of 1813. Until the mid-20th century, Vitoria was an inconspicuous town, until, thanks to the process of general industrialization in the Pyrenees, its attendance increased and its economic importance grew. The city received the title of capital of the Basque Country in May 1980.
Climate
The climatic conditions of the region are largely influenced by the Atlantic. Winters here are quite cool, but there are practically no frosts, and the air temperature remains confidently above zero. Summer is hotter than on the coast, but not at all the same as in the south of the country. You can come here at any time, since the local nature amazes with its colors at any time of the year.
How to get there
The main transport hub connecting Vitoria with other cities and regions is a railway line going in different directions, including to the neighboring one. Also, the capital of the region has an excellent commuter bus service. The local airport is used mainly for cargo transport.
Transport
Buses, trams and taxis are common within the city limits. The bicycle rental system is extremely popular, helping to avoid traffic congestion and helping to maintain a high environment.
Attractions and entertainment
The real decoration of the city are its religious buildings. Among them, the old Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, built in the 14th century, occupies a special place. Inside the temple there are chapels with unique works by Flemish painters, as well as works by such masters as Rubens and Van Dyck. To this day, archaeological excavations are ongoing on the territory of the temple, during which many historical artifacts have been found in recent years. The new Cathedral of the Most Pure Mary was born in the 20th century, and its construction lasted for 70 years. Also, the Armentia Monastery, considered an example of the Romanesque style of architecture, is worthy of special attention.
Among other architectural sites of the city, the palaces of Bendaña and Villa Suso stand out. The latter is even associated with a mystical story about the ghost of a girl, whose body was found during excavations, who cannot find peace, wandering around the surroundings of the palace. Vitoria is also notable for its museums. These include the Museum of Archeology, housed in a building of the 16th century, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Museum of Maps, whose collection contains maps created by Salvador Dali himself, the Museum of Weapons, where almost all samples are exhibited, from the Stone Age to our time, the Museum church art in the Catedral de Virgen Immaculada, the Museum of Fine Arts and other museums. Extremely fun and exciting, the capital of the Basque Country hosts a variety of events and celebrations, and the most popular is the summer Vitoria Jazz Festival, which attracts thousands of fans of this musical genre. The festival of the city's patron saint is no less colorful, accompanied by a massive carnival and open-air concerts.
Kitchen
In the culinary establishments of Vitoria, guests are invited to try a wide variety of dishes to suit every taste, as well as appreciate the exquisite Spanish wines and taste of the local desserts.
Shopping
In shops, retail shops and markets, guests of the regional capital can buy goods of almost all types, including items of Basque national clothing, expensive jewelry made from rare materials or simple souvenirs in the form of handicrafts.
Along with, Vitoria is the most vibrant and colorful city, embodying the culture, traditions and customs of an entire people. Beautiful architecture is combined here with a special atmosphere, rare hospitality from local residents and a unique romantic atmosphere that envelops the regional capital and makes it even more beautiful and attractive.