The capital of the Basque country: description, sights and reviews

Euskadi, or the Basque Country, is one of the places that can be safely attributed to the most unusual historical regions not only of Spain, but of Western Europe in general. Populated in gray antiquity and managed to preserve its identity and culture, this region is worthy of close attention. By the way, neither the mystery of the origin of the people, anciently inhabiting these lands, nor the history of the origin of his language has been so far uncovered.

The Basque Country is where?

The region to which this article will be devoted is often referred to as Green Spain. Its territory, stretching along the Atlantic coast, is in the northern part of the country and is separated from the rest of the territory by the Cantabrian mountains. And "green" it because of 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 its capitals: Alava (Vitoria-Gasteiz), Vizcaya (Bilbao), Gipuzkoa (San Sebastian). Each of these administrative centers is a city that can charm and fall in love with tourists. However, the ancient settlements scattered in the valleys between the mountains, and the stunning landscapes with the green mountains, and the blue of the ocean, will also not allow you to forget the original land, forcing you to come here again and again.

The Secret of the Basque Language

In the north-east of Spain, where the Basque Country is located, bilingualism reigns. By the way, the second language, which is indigenous in this locality - Basque (euskara or euskera) - has nothing to do with Spanish.

Some scholars are inclined to the version that he came here from Georgia. In its structure, ancient word forms belonging to the group of the Caucasian languages, as well as to the Iberian and Aquitanian dialects of the Iberian Peninsula, were found, which, it would seem, confirms this conclusion. But a lot of terms and names that have no analogues in any known language of the Earth, yet do not allow to put an end to the study of the history of the origin of this adverb.

Bilbao - the best city in the world

Basques appreciate the new and respect the old. And the amazing story of the capital of the province of Vizcaya, the city of Bilbao, founded in the 14th century, can serve as a confirmation of this. Back in 1980, he frightened tourists with his neglect and mud: a closed port, stopped plants, a catastrophically polluted river ... But the new mayor performed a miracle, and for 10 years the city has become beautiful, convenient for both residents and visitors, from Which are now no lights out.

The Basque Country, whose attractions can be listed for a long time, was enriched by new stunning art objects. And this was facilitated by the decision of the city authorities to invite the best European architects for the construction.

So, the original entrances to the Bilbao metro station are called "fosteraires" in honor of the famous English architect Norman Foster (by the way, you can get to the ocean by the metro). And in the heart of the city, on the site of abandoned wine stores, Philippe Starck designed a cultural and sports center, which was included in all the textbooks on architecture. The building of the Mariot Hotel is a masterpiece of Mexican Riccardo Legfetta, and the Congress Palace, designed by F. Sorano and D. Palacios, is recognized as the best parliamentary building in the world. Not surprisingly, in 2010 Bilbao was awarded the title of the best city in the world and the world city award!

San Sebastian

80 km from Bilbao is another major city of the Basque country and the capital of the province - San Sebastian, which has about 200 thousand people. The road between the settlements is amazing - it stretches along the shore of the ocean, revealing a beautiful panorama of the ancient land. And San Sebastian itself is like a shining shell, located on the shore of the Gulf of La Concha.

By the way, it is considered one of the most beautiful and expensive cities in Spain. Even 100 years ago it became the summer residence of kings, which, naturally, pushed its development, and now San Sebastian is another capital, the administrative center of the province of Gipuzkoa. The city shines with purity and pomposity. And since 1953 in September there is annually held a famous film festival. In July, jazz lovers come here from all over the world.

Vitoria-Gasteiz - a city for walks

The capital of the Basque Country - Vitoria-Gasteiz - can be boldly called a city in which a walk 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 per inhabitant. Such conditions have led to the fact that Vitoria has turned into a city with the highest quality of life.

On sunny days locals do not waste time - they fill narrow cobbled streets, strolling among numerous shops, or visit small deliciously smelling confectioneries. After all, where there is a cool, everyone loves the sweet, and this is an immutable law!

The City Hall provided more than 4 million bicycles to its residents to replace their cars. To do this, Vitoria has special parking, where you can take a two-wheeled vehicle, and then leave, after a long use.

A ring of parks was created along the whole perimeter of the city, and thanks to this, settlements of nutria, deer and wild cats appeared just 4 km from the city center.

Attractions Vitoria-Gasteiz

In 1181, Sancho VII of Navarre awarded the city of Vitoria with the title of the city. His medieval layout has since undergone some changes, but, nevertheless, has reached our days almost untouched. New buildings appeared on the site of old buildings, and the layout of the streets remained the same.

The oldest building of the city is the tower of Uttada de Anda, erected 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), and San Vincento and San Miguel (14th century), where the patroness of the city of Belaya Theotokos.

Once in the capital of the entire Basque Country, one can not but visit the Artium Museum of Contemporary Art, museums of natural sciences, archeology, Alava weapons and sacred art. By the way, in the city there is even a museum of playing cards, since it is here that their production is established.

Around the capital, too many interesting things

A very important role in the special charm of Vitoria is played by the beauty of the suburbs. After all, almost every quiet and cozy village around the capital has its own historical monument. It can be an ancient stone mansion decorated with a proud tribal coat of arms, and a colorful church. So, in the village of Mendoza, you can visit the very interesting Heraldry Museum, and in Salvatierra, the attention of tourists is sure to attract the church of Santa Maria and the ancient fortress.

The Basque country is rightfully proud of its winemaking traditions. Therefore, having visited here, it is impossible not to visit the area of Rioja-Alavesa, famous for its vineyards. It is especially interesting here in September, during the colorful Harvest Festival, which is attended not only by local residents, but also by numerous tourists.

How the Basque Country rests: reviews of tourists

In Euskadi, holidays are very popular, and, probably, that's why there are a lot of them. Festive fairs, carnival processions, competitions of shepherd dogs, bull races, tomato fights are just a small part of what can be seen in this seemingly measured and calm edge.

On holidays in the Basque Country come from all over Spain and from other European countries, because, perhaps, only here you can see so much fun, endless joy of life and confidence that everything is fine. Basques like no one know how to have fun, giving themselves to this whole soul, and those who have ever visited a city holiday, are eager to come here again.

Where it's worth visiting by visiting the Basque Country

When planning to go to Euskadi, be sure to write down your itinerary, as there are so many places in this region that you can not miss without paying attention. The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of them, but the Basque Country is able to offer other unique objects:

• The chapel of San Juan de Gastelugache, located on a high cliff near Bilbao;
• The majestic Cathedral in San Sebastian, like two drops of water, like the famous Cologne Cathedral ;
• The longest labyrinth under the earth, in the vicinity of Onyati;
• An incredible winery Marcus de Rich, erected by Frank Gehry.

Do not forget to ride a bicycle along the quiet streets of medieval Vitoria, eat octopuses in one of the cozy restaurants of Getaria, taste the best wines in Laguardia, experience yourself in surfing in Mundaka, discover a huge number of secluded wild beaches on the Costa Basca and understand that this region has become You close and familiar. Have a good rest in the Basque Country!