Posted on February 21, 2013 by sguese

In 1181, a small settlement was founded on a hill. By 1200, that small settlement would be a full-blown fortified town when it went to the Castilian monarch Alfonso VIII. Vitoria serves as the Basque capital, home to charming quarters, gardens and tree-lined boulevards. You can be Vitoria to appreciate its medieval quarter, one rivaling many in Spain.

 

Hit a nerve at Plaza de la Virgen Blanca: The nerve of Vitoria lies in Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. The plaza holds the Battle of Vitoria monument and the church of San Miguel. The church houses the image of the White Virgin, the city’s patron saint. Its gothic and Renaissance elements hint at its origins in between the 14^th and 16^th centuries.

 

Walk through Los Arquillos: If there were a perfect place to stroll while in Vitoria, it would be Los Arquillos. The Gothic portico leads off of the San Miguel Church. The arcaded walk makes for an interesting stroll for it connects the historic quarter with the 19^th century suburbs on the city.

 

Admire the details of Cathedral of Santa María: It is all about the details at the Cathedral of Santa María, also known as the Old Cathedral in town. Erected at the highest point of the city, the cathedral lords over in a pronounced Gothic style. Construction on the cathedral began in the 13^th century, creating a church according to the Latin cross floor plan. Most of Vitoria’s most ancient streets can be found jutting out from the cathedral.

 

Peruse Vitoria’s Palaces: Vitoria is home to countless palaces worth seeing. The Escoriaza-Esquibel palace is noted for its gorgeous courtyard. The Palace of Bendaña dates back to the 16^th century. However, perhaps the most notable palace in all of Vitoria is Casa del Cordón. Declared a historic, artistic monument, Casa del Cordón features a Gothic façade. It was once used as an old trading house throughout the Middle Ages.

 

Attend the Vitoria Jazz Festival: If you have a fairly open schedule for visiting Vitoria, consider coming to the city for its most famous festival. The Vitoria Jazz Festival takes place in the city each and every July. Internationally acclaimed musicians come to the Basque capital to play for the masses. The festival reflects Vitoria’s extensive musical tradition.