Vitoria

Overview

The city Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of the Alava Province in Spain and it has a population of 240,000 people. After Bilbao, It holds the distinction of being 2nd largest Basque city.

History

King Sancho VI of Naverre founded Vitoria in 1981 on a small hill and named it as Nueva Victoria. Alfonso VIII, the Castilian monarch took over this place in 1200. The town became popular for its craft from this time onwards. Juan II of Castile renamed this city as Vitoria in the 15th century. This city expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Climate

The maximum and minimum average temperatures in this city are 26 °C in July-August and 1 °C in January.

Cultural Heritage

The following museums can be seen in this city:

The Fournier Card – this was founded during the period of Don Heraclio Fournier, who was responsible for starting a printing press in 1868. This museum shows evolution of playing cards in various countries.

Fine Arts Museum – this was started in 1941 and contains items such as arms, archaeology and fine art.

Álava Archaeological Museum – exhibits items of various eras – Paleolithic, Iron Age, Roman world and medieval collections.

Arms Museum – displays weapons, uniforms, pictures, models, arms, etc.

Artium Museum – exhibits modern art from 1900 onwards.

The following monuments can be seen by visitors:

Ajuria-Enea Palace – was built in the year 1918 and exhibits Basque architecture.

Los Arquillos y la Plaza del Machete – was built in the 18th century and acts as a link between the old and new quarters.

Santa María de Estíbaliz Church – is a Romanesque church.

María Inmaculada Pro-cathedral Vitoria – is a neo-Gothic building built in 1969.

Cathedral Santa María – was built in 13th, 14th and 15th centuries in stages and is supported by a number of huge columns.

Vitoria-Gasteiz Town Hall – was built in the year 1731 and renovated in 1982.

Basílica San Prudencio – this church is planned like a Latin cross and it has four pointed arches.

Cuisine

The following dishes are popular in this region:

Perretxikos – a type of mushroom, snails and sauce.

Qoxua – a sponge cake that has caramel and whipped cream.

Vitoria-style beans.

Vegetable stew.

Sports and Entertainment

La Florida is the most popular park in this region and is situated in the center of the city. Its design is similar to that of 19th century English gardens and it has romantic plantings and winding paths.

Photo Credit: Pixabay