Bilbao city guide 2017 ENG

V I T O R I A - G A S T E I Z

C I T Y B R E A K G E TA WAY S

B A S Q U E C O U N T RY

When you wander through the Old Quarter to the newer parts of town, you'll understand why Vitoria-Gasteiz has a double-barreled name. Gasteiz was the name of the little town located on the small hill that today makes up the Almendra Medieval Old Quarter. In the 11th century, the King of Navarra, Sancho VI The Wise, granted the town the title of city and added the name Vitoria. So today it remains Vitoria-Gasteiz.

P L A Z A V I R G E N B L A N C A

P L A Z A D E E S PA Ñ A

From the Plaza del Matxete , a few steps bring you to Los Arquillos , arcades that allow entry from the medieval city into the newer part. This is where the area of the urban Ensanche district begins. The great Plaza de la Virgen Blanca is the heart of the city. In the festival held on the 4th August, the local hero Celedón arrives in the square, decending from the highest tower of the San Miguel Church . On the railings around the church, you will find a bronze Celedón sculpture to pose for a photo with. The Plaza de España , next to the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, is looked over by the Casa Consistorial (Council Hall) and offers a superb space filled with terraces and arcades. This is where the Dato Street pedestrian precinct begins, home to the financial and commercial areas, which leads all the way to the train station. A walk along the streets of General Álava, San Prudencio, Postas and the Plaza de los Fueros – where Chillida and Peña Ganchegui have left their mark – will give you a vibrant overview of the Ensanche area of the capital of the Álava region. It is an ideal route to a little relaxation with your shopping.

From Gasteiz to Vitoria: ENSANCHE EL

A relaxing centre The architectural and sculptural points of reference of the Ensanche district and the centre of Vitoria-Gasteiz are plentiful. The Basque Parliament is located next to La Florida Park. This is where the big issues of the country are resolved. In the vicinity, the New Cathedral is still waiting for its spires to be built. Something that may well never happen! In the Plaza del Arca, midpoint of Dato Street , you will see the enormous sculpture of the Caminante (The Walker), who marches seriously alongside neighbours and tourists. The multifaceted Plaza Iradier, the home of the French Basque-style Post Office, the Palace of the Autonomous Provincial Council, the Inland Revenue Offices and the Paseo de Sancho el Sabio, should figure on any itinerary.

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