22 places to see in Vitoria Gasteiz.

What to see in Vitoria Gasteiz, one of the most interesting cities in the Basque Country.

Vitoria Gasteiz is internationally known for being one of the most accessible and greenest cities in Europe, an aspect that, together with its cultural and historical richness, makes it one of the most interesting places in the Basque Country. An urban center that we recommend you to visit during any getaway to Euskadi. To make your stay in the capital of Alava as pleasant and comfortable as possible, we have decided to publish this article on what to see in Vitoria Gasteiz, thus creating a complete tourist guide to the city. We hope that this selection of places will help you to get to know this impressive urban center that we love so much. Taking as a reference the impressive medieval almond, the historic center of Vitoria Gasteiz, we will make a route through each and every one of the tourist attractions of the city. A tour that will take us to know both inside and outside the ancient walls that protected the city. Vitoria Gasteiz, capital of the province of Alava (Araba in Basque) and of the autonomous community of Euskadi, is known throughout the Basque Country for its quality of life, its large green spaces, its gastronomy and of course, for its great culture and history.

Vitoria Gasteiz opens its doors to show us some of its most precious treasures. A very attractive proposal, which captivates us just by contemplating the streets of its historic center, the exhibition “open for works” of the old cathedral or the wide green spaces with which we are accustomed to. If you want to know in detail what to see in Vitoria Gasteiz, we recommend you not to miss our proposals. You will love them.

What to see in Vitoria Gasteiz.

Vitoria Gasteiz attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. No wonder, it is a tourist destination on the rise. A perfect place for people of all types of tourist profiles to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. Here are some of the most important and emblematic places in Vitoria Gasteiz, we hope you like them as much as we do.

Green ring: Armentia, Errekaleor, Olarizu, Salburua, Zabalgana and Zadorra make up the beautiful landscape that the green ring of Vitoria Gasteiz offers us. Whether by bike or on foot, the trails that we will find along this beautiful green area of the city show us spaces with an enormous ecological value. Spaces where the fauna and flora take special prominence.

Ataria: The Salburua wetlands interpretation center is one of the best places to contemplate nature in Vitoria Gasteiz. Located in one of the strategic sections of the Green Belt of the capital of Alava, Ataria offers us to know everything related to the fauna and flora that surrounds us. More information in our article Ataria, interpretation center of Vitoria Gasteiz.

Medieval quarter or old town: The old town is the heart of the city. The hill on which the medieval almond is located has been occupied since the eighth century, when only the primitive village of Gasteiz existed. It is worth seeing the Casa del Cordón, a house in which the entrance is small so that the lords and royalty had to “bend” to his entry into the building, the Plaza del Machete, the Portalón (post house from XV to mid XX. Today it is a restaurant where its essence prevails) or the Tower of the Anda (the oldest medieval defensive tower of Vitoria Gasteiz).

Basque Parliament: The approval of the Statute of Autonomy of Gernika on October 25, 1979 led to the creation of the Basque Parliament. Between 1980 and 1982 the Basque Parliament had provisional seats in the Provincial Councils of Bizkaia and Araba, until February 1, 1982, when the definitive seat was established in the building we can see today.

Cathedral of Santa Maria or Old Cathedral: The Gothic cathedral located in the center of the city, is one of the most striking buildings in the historic center of Vitoria Gasteiz. The visit to this temple is called “open for works”, undoubtedly one of the best guided tours that we have done in our lives. This building does not leave its visitors indifferent. Recommended reading: Cathedral of Santa María, the jewel of Gothic architecture in the Basque Country.

New Cathedral: Known as the new cathedral, the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate is the most important neo-Gothic building in the city. In 1862, given the poor condition of the Santa Maria cathedral, the city was faced with the need to build a new cathedral, a building that began to be built in 1904 and was inaugurated in 1969, although unfortunately it was never finished.

ArtiumArtium: The largest museum of contemporary art in the Basque Country, a must-see museum for art lovers. Located next to the historic center, this museum houses one of the most important collections of 20th and 21st century Basque art in the world.

Plaza de la Virgen Blanca: The now patron saint of the city was already being worshipped since the time of Sancho VI (1181). Although it was not until 1921 when she was named Patron Saint of Vitoria Gasteiz. In 1884 it was decided to change the festivities from September to August and with this new change the Virgen Blanca officially became the patron saint of the city’s festivities. A festivity that we recommend you to enjoy. Today, the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, represents one of the most important points of the city. It is here, where we find the singular vegetal sculpture in which we can read perfectly “Vitoria Gasteiz”. A work of art 7 meters long and 3 meters high, which was installed in this square in 2012 as a symbol of the election of the city as European Green Capital. Undoubtedly one of the most photographed spaces in the Basque Country.

Statue of Ken Follett: This Welsh writer made the old cathedral of the city known all over the world through his book “A World Without End”. And it is that the old cathedral was part of his inspiration when writing this novel. His statue stands next to the entrance to the cathedral.

Route of the murals: The route of the murals of Vitoria Gasteiz is one of the most special routes of the city. And is that, looking for each of the works of art that make up this collection helps us to know the city in a fun and entertaining way. We recommend that you discover the history and meaning behind each of these huge murals. And you should know that these murals were designed and created through collective workshops in which many gasteiztarraz took part. More information: Route of the murals of Vitoria Gasteiz.

Escoriaza Esquivel PalaceEscoriaza Esquivel Palace: The palace of love and indifference, a palace located next to the walls of the medieval quarter of the city. This building opens its doors to the public to show the history of this beautiful 16th century structure.

Florida Park: One of the most emblematic parks of the city. A space that provides Vitoria Gasteiz with a green space where you can walk and enjoy nature in the center. The origin of this park dates back to 1820, when a small garden was built around the bandstand that we still find today. With the passage of time, in 1855, this park was expanded using the land of the Convent of Santa Clara. It is here, where at Christmas we find the great crib of Vitoria-Gasteiz, one of the great Christmas attractions of the city.

Calle cuchillería: Between 1254 and 1256, Alfonso the Wise, King of Castile, was present in the city and it was he himself, who, based on the arms and knives stores located in it, gave its name to cuchillería. The busiest and most emblematic street in the old town, one of the most famous pintxo poteo streets of the city, popularly known as “la kutxi”.

Statue of the Walker: In the streets of Vitoria Gasteiz we can count more than 100 sculptures, but there is one that always catches the attention of visitors, a statue of 3.5 meters high, which, located in the Plaza del Arca, makes the camera flashes, the statue of the walker.

Plaza de los fueros: This square, the work of our beloved sculptor Eduardo Chillida and architect Peña Ganchegui, was built in tribute to the fueros. A square full of nods to our culture and history in which we can find from a fronton, a space to play bowling and a place with bleachers to enjoy our rural sports. A work of art and architecture in the open air.

The Medieval Wall: Built at the end of the 11th century, the wall of Vitoria Gasteiz was the answer to the defensive need that the city required, since the strategic position of the hill was seen as a temptation to enemies. The rehabilitation at the beginning of the 21st century has managed to preserve about half of this ancient construction.

Plaza del Machete: This square marks the boundary of the old medieval town of Gasteiz. A square that was also known as “the small square of the trial”, and it was here where the death sentences were carried out with garrote vile. Today, in addition to being one of the most popular leisure spaces, it is also used for stone dragging.

Recreation of the battle of Vitoria: Annually the recreation of the battle of Vitoria is celebrated in Vitoria Gasteiz. A historical event that took place in 1813 at the gates of this city. An event, with which Vitoria Gasteiz has become part of the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities. If you want more information we advise you to read our article: Battle of Vitoria.

Plaza Nueva: This square is one of the first buildings that were built outside the historic center of Vitoria Gasteiz. Built at the end of the 18th century, the Plaza Nueva represents the beginning of the city’s expansion.

Bibat Museum: This complex located in the historic center of Vitoria Gasteiz, currently houses the archeology and playing cards museums. The name of this museum complex, Bibat, means two in one in Basque, an appropriate name to describe the theme of the exhibitions that we find inside. The collection of playing cards that we have the option of contemplating in this space is catalogued as one of the best collections of playing cards in the world. On the other hand, the Archaeology Museum of Araba houses many of the archaeological remains found throughout the province of Araba since the 19th century. More information: Bibat Museum, playing cards and archaeology.

Market of Abastos: The Mercado de Abastos of Vitoria Gasteiz, is one of the traditional markets of our land. This building has been renovated to adapt to the needs of today while maintaining the quality and tradition with which we are accustomed to this type of space. If you are looking for high quality local products, this space is one of the best options.

Fernando Buesa Arena: This sports pavilion of more than 14,000 square meters was inaugurated in 1998. A 3-story building that has great versatility when it comes to hosting events of all kinds. Currently, this stadium is the home of Baskonia, the local basketball team.

Bakh skating rink: The Bakh sports center offers us the opportunity to enjoy an activity such as ice skating. A different experience, enjoyed by people of all ages and conditions.

Palace of Villa Suso: This palace was built in 1539 by order of Martin de Salinas, ambassador of Emperor Charles V. This building was located on the old defensive wall of the city and its main entrance was located on the street above, also known as the street of Suso (above), hence its name. Today this palace is the congress center of the city of Vitoria Gasteiz. As a curiosity, we must say that there is a legend that a ghost dwells inside.

Plaza de la Burulleria: This square built at the end of the 20th century was the old medieval necropolis of Gasteiz. Next to this square we find some of the most emblematic buildings of the city. Examples are the Portalón, the tower of the Hurtado de Anda or the Cathedral of Santa María, all of them of medieval origin.

Palacio de la Diputación: The Palacio de la Diputación, also known as the Palacio de la Provincia, was built in 1833 as the seat of the Juntas Generales de Araba. This ashlar stone building was the work of the architect Martin Saracibar. Initially the building had only one floor, but in 1844 it was enlarged with a second floor.

Torre Doña Otxanda: This 15th century fortress was located on the old defensive wall of the city. In the 16th century this building was rebuilt by Andrés Martines de Iruña, who decided to name the present palace after his daughter, Otxanda. Today, the Doña Otxanda Tower houses the Natural Science Museum of Vitoria Gasteiz.

Montehermoso Palace: This palace located in the center of the medieval center of Vitoria Gasteiz, was built in the sixteenth century by order of Ortuño Ibáñez de Aguirre and his wife María de Esquivel y Arratia. As a curiosity, we must indicate that, after the rehabilitation of 1997, this building has annexed the old Water Deposit of the city.

Church of San Miguel Arcángel: This temple, one of the oldest in Vitoria Gasteiz, presides over the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca in the capital of Alava. The temple that we contemplate today, was built between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries on the remains of a chapel that stood in the same location. It is from this church that Celedón descends every 4th of August to begin the city’s festivities.

Church of San Vicente: This church was the last to be built in the historic center of Vitoria Gasteiz. This religious building was built between the 15th and 16th century on top of an old fortress.

Museum of Fine Arts: This museum, surrounded by gardens and located in the noble Augustin Zulueta Palace, houses an important art collection. Built in 1912 by the same architects who designed the new cathedral of Vitoria Gasteiz, Julian Apraiz and Javier de Luque, this building was originally a private residence.

Zulueta Palace: This palace located next to La Florida Park and Paseo de la Senda, was built in 1903 by architect Fausto Íñiguez de Betolaza for private use. Today, there are many projects that seek to settle in this building.

Ajuria Enea Palace: Ajuria Enea Palace is the official residence of the Lehendakari since 1980. Its name is due to the person who ordered its construction in 1920, Serafín Ajuria, an important Basque businessman who directed what in 1954 was the largest agricultural machinery company. In 1966, this palace ceased to be the residence of the Ajuria family and became an educational center. In 1972 the Provincial Council of Araba bought it as the headquarters of the Basque Art Museum and in 1980, the Basque Government bought the building to be the official residence of the Lehendakari.

Museum of Sacred Art: This museum, created in 1999, is located in the new cathedral of Vitoria Gasteiz, in the center of the city. Most of the objects that make up the permanent collection of this museum come from deposits and donations, but it also has many items from the Diputación Doral de Araba and the Bishopric of Vitoria Gasteiz. Among all these objects, the stelae, the Andra Maris, the saints, the paintings and the altarpieces stand out.

Europa Conference Center: The Europa Conference Center is currently one of the most important venues in the capital of Alava and an icon of sustainable architecture. It is famous for its green façade, which helps to insulate the building and save energy.

The spaces mentioned above are just a sample of what you can see in Vitoria Gasteiz. In case you think it is not enough, we add a list of places to visit.

Guided tours in Vitoria Gasteiz.

We believe that visiting a city accompanied by a local guide has a great influence when it comes to getting to know a place. And is that walking the narrow streets of the historic center of Vitoria Gasteiz with a guide makes our trip especially intense. A great opportunity to discover all the anecdotes and curiosities hidden in every corner of the city. As if this were not enough, the low price of this type of activities makes them even more attractive. If you are interested in this proposal, we encourage you to read our article“guided tours in Vitoria Gasteiz“. You can make your reservations here.

Bicycle rental in Vitoria Gasteiz.

If you are interested in the option of getting to know the Basque capital on wheels, we encourage you to read the article we dedicate to bike rental in Vitoria Gasteiz. An original and fun alternative, which allows us to know the city in a practical way at a very economical price. We must remember that the rental includes the helmet, lock and pack to fix punctures, which helps us to travel the streets and squares of Vitoria Gasteiz with total tranquility. Do you dare?

History of Vitoria Gasteiz.

This city has a history with a lot of character, a history that began in the primitive village of Gasteiz. And the fact is that, although today the terms of Vitoria and Gasteiz represent the same territory, it was not always so. Here is a small explanation with which we hope you will understand this statement.

The strategic location of the city of Vitoria Gasteiz, located in the middle of the most important road between the Castilian plateau and northern Europe, has given it over time an important commercial character, with 3 weekly markets and two annual fairs. Almost nothing.

Where to sleep in Vitoria Gasteiz.

If you are looking for where to stay in Vitoria Gasteiz we recommend you to visit our reservation center, where you will find all kinds of accommodations to know the city from the tranquility and comfort. We recommend you to check availability and prices here.

Evolution of Vitoria Gasteiz.

Thanks to the 4 models that are exhibited in the cathedral of Santa Maria (the old cathedral), today we can get an idea of the evolution of the original village of Gasteiz between the tenth and thirteenth centuries in a very graphic and visual way. We loved it. We advise you to take a look at the changes in the main door and it was at this point where the construction of the cathedral began. Remember that the cathedral of Santa Maria is one of those essential places to visit on any trip to Euskadi. Undoubtedly, one of the most important buildings to see in Vitoria Gasteiz.

What to see near Vitoria Gasteiz.

Near the city, in a radius of less than 45 minutes, we find an endless number of places to visit. Very interesting places that we recommend you to visit. In this sense, we have taken the liberty of creating a list with those that for us are the most important, or at least, the ones we like the most.

Family routes near Vitoria Gasteiz.

The small villages surrounding the city have hundreds of family routes to travel. If you like nature, if you like to discover impressive spaces such as the Salto del Nervión, the Berganzo water route or the Goros caves, we recommend you to read our article on family routes in Euskadi.

Where to eat in Vitoria Gasteiz.

In Vitoria Gasteiz we have many options when it comes to eating, one of these options is to enjoy a good pintxo poteo in Cuchilleria street. A good option for all those people who want to know the pintxo culture. On the other hand, if you are looking for good, nice and cheap restaurants we recommend you to visit gastronomic establishments such as El siete or Waska, they will surely not disappoint you.

Video of Vitoria Gasteiz.

We want to show you the beauty of Vitoria Gasteiz through a small video that we have uploaded to our YouTube account. We hope you like it. By the way, in case you like Euskadi and want to know impressive places, we recommend you to subscribe to our channel, we are sure you will like it.