Jump to content

Vitoria-Gasteiz

Coordinates:42°51′N2°41′W/ 42.850°N 2.683°W/42.850; -2.683
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the Spanish city. For other uses, seeVitoria (disambiguation).
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Gasteiz (Basque)
Vitoria (Spanish)
Municipality
Virgen Blanca Square
Panoramic view
Old Cathedral
Ataria
Plaza Nueva
New Cathedral
Flag of Vitoria-Gasteiz
Flag
Coat of arms of Vitoria-Gasteiz
Coat of arms
Motto(s):
Haec est Victoria quae vincit
(This is Victoria which triumphs)
Vitoria-Gasteiz is located in Spain
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Location of Vitoria-Gasteiz within Spain / the Basque Autonomous Country
Vitoria-Gasteiz is located in the Basque Country
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz (the Basque Country)
Vitoria-Gasteiz is located in Europe
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria-Gasteiz (Europe)
Coordinates:42°51′N2°41′W/ 42.850°N 2.683°W/42.850; -2.683
CountrySpain
Autonomous communityBasque Country
ProvinceÁlava
ComarcaVitoria-Gasteiz
Founded1181
Government
•MayorMaider Etxebarria(PSE-EE)
Area
• Total276.81 km2(106.88 sq mi)
Elevation
525 m (1,722 ft)
Population
(2018)[1]
• Total249,176
• Density900/km2(2,300/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Basque:gasteiztar
Spanish:vitoriano, vitoriana
Time zoneUTC+1(CET)
• Summer (DST)UTC+2(CEST)
Postal code
01001–01015
Official language(s)Spanish, Basque
Websitevitoria-gasteiz.org

Vitoria-Gasteiz(Spanish:[biˈtoɾjaɣasˈtejθ,-ɣasˈtejs];Basque:[bitoɾiaɣas̺teis̻];also historically spelledVittoriain English)[2][3]is the seat of government and the capital city of theBasque Countryand of theprovinceofÁlavain northernSpain.It holds the autonomous community'sHouse of Parliament,the headquarters of the Government, and theLehendakari's (Prime Minister's)official residency. The municipality—which comprises not only the city but also the mainly agricultural lands of 63 villages around—is the largest in the Basque Country, with a total area of 276.81 square kilometres (106.88 sq mi), and it has a population of 253,093 (January 2021). The dwellers of Vitoria-Gasteiz are calledvitorianosorgasteiztarrak,while traditionally they are dubbedbabazorros(Basquefor 'bean sacks').

Vitoria-Gasteiz is a dynamic city with strengths inhealthcare,aeronautics,theautomotive industry,andviticulture.It is consistently ranked as one of the 5 best places to live in Spain, ranking highly inquality of lifeandbusiness opportunities,it is the first Spanish municipality to be awarded the title ofEuropean Green Capital(in 2012) and it has been also recognized by the UN with the Global Green City Award (in 2019). The old town has some of the best preserved medieval streets and plazas in the region and it is one of very few cities with two cathedrals. The city also holds well known festivals such as theAzkena rock festival,FesTVal,Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival,and theVirgen Blanca Festivities.

Vitoria-Gasteiz's vicinity is home to acclaimed wineries such as Ysios, designed by world-renowned architectSantiago Calatrava,andMarqués de Riscal,byFrank Gehry.Relevant heritage sites including the Neolithic remains ofAizkomendi,SorginetxeandLa chabola de la Hechicera;Iron Age remains such as the settlements of Lastra and Buradón; antique remains such as the settlement ofLa Hoyaand the salt valley ofAñana;and several medieval fortresses including theTower of Mendozaand theTower of Varona.

Ludwig van Beethovendedicated his Opus 91, often called the "Battle of Vitoria"or"Wellington's Victory",to one of the most famous events of the Napoleonic Wars: theBattle of Vitoria,in which a Spanish, Portuguese and British army under the command ofGeneral the Duke of Wellingtonbroke the French army and nearly captured the puppet kingJoseph Bonaparte.It was a pivotal point in thePeninsular War,and a precursor to the expulsion of the French army from Spain. A memorial statue can be seen today inVirgen Blanca Square.

Name

[edit]

The official name of Vitoria-Gasteiz is a compound name of its traditional names inSpanishandBasque,respectively. By inhabitants, it is still generally referred to as eitherVitoriaorGasteiz,depending on the language spoken. More rarely, it may be referred to by Basque speakers asVitorixe,a Basque form of the Spanish name.

History

[edit]
Vitoria-Gasteiz in the 17th century

In 581 AD, theVisigothkingLiuvigildfounded the city of Victoriacum, trying to emulate theRomanfoundations, as a celebration of the victory against theVasconesnear what is assumed to be the hill occupied by the primitive village of Gasteiz. This however is not sufficiently proven, and some historians and experts believe that Victoriacum was located not on the site of present-day Vitoria-Gasteiz but nearby. Several possible locations have been proposed, the foremost of which is the late Roman military camp ofIruña-Veleia(cf. J. M. Lacarra). Veleia is located some 11 km north of modern Vitoria, on the banks of the same river. However, modern archeological studies of the site suggest that Veleia was last inhabitedc. 5th century AD,and archeologists are still to find a 6th-century Visigothic resettlement in the site.[4]Another theory has suggested that Victoriacum was located at the foot of MountGorbeawhere there is a village calledVitoriano.The town ofArmentia,nowadays in the outskirts of Vitoria, has also been proposed as a possible location of Victoriacum.[5]In either case, Victoriacum vanishes from history shortly after its foundation.[6]

In 1181, Sancho the Wise,King of Navarrefounded the town ofNova Victoriaas a defensive outpost on top of a hill at the site of the previous settlement of Gasteiz. The existence ofGastehiz,apparently inhabited by Vasconic people,[7]can be traced back to the Middle Ages; it is certain that by the 11th century, prior to the foundation ofNova Victoria,the settlement was already walled. It is assumed that Sancho the Wise gave the new city its name in memory of the old settlement of Victoriacum, which must had long since been abandoned.[6]In 1199, the town was besieged for nine months and eventually captured by the troops ofAlfonso VIII of Castile,who annexed the town to theKingdom of Castile.The town was progressively enlarged and in 1431 it was granted a citycharterbyKing Juan IIof Castile. In 1463, it was one of the five foundingvillasof the Brotherhood of Álava alongsideSajazarra,Miranda de Ebro,PancorboandSalvatierra/Agurain.

Cathedral of Santa María de Vitoria,completed in the 17th century
The Battle of VittoriabyGeorge Jonesdepicting the 1813 battle.

TheBattle of Vitoriaof thePeninsular Waroccurred near Vitoria-Gasteiz along the riverZadorraon 21 June 1813. An allied British, Portuguese, and Spanish army underGeneral the Marquess of Wellingtonbroke the French army underJoseph Bonaparteand MarshalJean-Baptiste Jourdan.The victory assured the eventual end of French control in Spain. There is a monument commemorating this battle in the main square of the city known as the Monument to Independence.

When news came to Vienna in late July of that year,Johann Nepomuk MälzelcommissionedLudwig van Beethovento compose a symphony, the op. 91Wellingtons Sieg oder die Schlacht bei Vittoria(Wellington's Victory, or the Battle of Vitoria) orSiegessymphonie.

Work began on the Institute for Middle Education in 1843, with classes beginning during the 1853–54 academic year. It is now current headquarters of theBasque Parliamentand formerly the convent of Santa Clara. The Free University opened in the wake of the revolution of 1868. The university operated from 1869, to just prior to the 1873–1874 term, largely because of thesecond Carlist War.Some of its most notable academics were Ricardo Becerro de Bengoa, Julián Apraiz andFederico Baraibar.The latter was also among the first teachers of Basque in Vitoria-Gasteiz as an off-syllabussubject.

Spanish Civil War

[edit]

At the start of theSpanish Civil WarÁlava and Vitoria were easily captured by the rebelNationalistsled by General Angel García Benítez, assisted by ColonelCamilo Alonso Vega.[8]Vitoria was captured on 19 July 1936.[9]In November 1936 an attempt byRepublicansto retake Vitoria was thwarted after being spotted by Nationalist reconnaissance aircraft.[10]The 1937 Nationalist campaign inVizcayawas supported by 80 German aircraft based at Vitoria,[11]where theCondor Legionfighter wing was concentrated.[12]

Transition to democracy

[edit]

During theSpanish transition to democracy,the Church of St. Francis of Assisi was the scene of apolice shooting on March 3, 1976during a peaceful labour assembly. Under the orders of Interior MinisterManuel Fraga,the police shot tear-gas into the church where 5,000 demonstrators and others had met, firing on them as they struggled their way out of the building. It resulted in five dead and over one hundred wounded by gunshot.[13][14]

On 20 May 1980, by decision of the Basque Parliament, Vitoria-Gasteiz became the place of the common institutions of theBasque Autonomous Community.

Judizmendi

[edit]
"Coexistence" by Yael Artsi.

Historically, there once was aJewishcommunity living in Vitoria, before theexpulsion of the Jews.In 1492, the year of the expulsion, the town council agreed to maintain and respect the Jewish cemetery, which became known as Judimendi, or "mountain of the Jews" inBasque.Over time, linguistically, "Judimendi" became "Judizmendi." Unique to anywhere else in Spain, the town maintained this agreement from 1492-1952, when the town undertook plans to convert Judizmendi to a public garden. The Jewish community inBayonneheard about these plans, and convinced the city government of Vitoria-Gasteiz to commemorate the memory of the cemetery.[15]In 2004, Israeli artist Yaël Artsi created the monument "Coexistence" to be displayed at Judizmendi.

In 2017, the monument was vandalized with anti-semitic graffiti twice: once in April, and once in May.[16]

In 2019, the Basque Jewish community held a ceremony to pay tribute to the city for honoring its promise to the Jews.[17]

Climate

[edit]

Vitoria-Gasteiz has anoceanic climate(Köppen climate classification:Cfb). Winters are much cooler than in lowland coastal areas, whilst summers are similar in terms of high temperatures, with cool nights due to the elevation. Summers show a significant influence ofmediterraneanprecipitation patterns, but enough precipitation usually occurs to remain marine in nature. Sunshine levels are low by Spanish standards and the climate is humid year-round.

Climate data for Foronda-Txokiza 513m (1981–2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 18.7
(65.7) 		21.5
(70.7) 		26.6
(79.9) 		29.1
(84.4) 		33.0
(91.4) 		37.4
(99.3) 		38.4
(101.1) 		40.8
(105.4) 		37.2
(99.0) 		29.3
(84.7) 		22.2
(72.0) 		20.3
(68.5) 		40.8
(105.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 8.7
(47.7) 		10.3
(50.5) 		13.7
(56.7) 		15.4
(59.7) 		19.3
(66.7) 		23.0
(73.4) 		25.7
(78.3) 		25.9
(78.6) 		23.1
(73.6) 		18.3
(64.9) 		12.4
(54.3) 		9.1
(48.4) 		17.1
(62.8)
Daily mean °C (°F) 4.9
(40.8) 		5.7
(42.3) 		8.2
(46.8) 		9.8
(49.6) 		13.3
(55.9) 		16.6
(61.9) 		19.0
(66.2) 		19.2
(66.6) 		16.6
(61.9) 		12.9
(55.2) 		8.2
(46.8) 		5.5
(41.9) 		11.7
(53.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1.2
(34.2) 		1.1
(34.0) 		2.7
(36.9) 		4.1
(39.4) 		7.2
(45.0) 		10.2
(50.4) 		12.3
(54.1) 		12.5
(54.5) 		10.1
(50.2) 		7.5
(45.5) 		4.0
(39.2) 		1.9
(35.4) 		6.2
(43.2)
Record low °C (°F) −17.8
(0.0) 		−15.4
(4.3) 		−9.2
(15.4) 		−3.8
(25.2) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		1.0
(33.8) 		3.2
(37.8) 		0.8
(33.4) 		0.2
(32.4) 		−2.7
(27.1) 		−9.4
(15.1) 		−11.5
(11.3) 		−17.8
(0.0)
Averageprecipitationmm (inches) 75
(3.0) 		63
(2.5) 		63
(2.5) 		73
(2.9) 		70
(2.8) 		43
(1.7) 		38
(1.5) 		39
(1.5) 		41
(1.6) 		71
(2.8) 		91
(3.6) 		82
(3.2) 		742
(29.2)
Average precipitation days(≥ 1 mm) 10 10 8 11 9 6 4 5 6 9 11 11 99
Average snowy days 3 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 11
Averagerelative humidity(%) 83 79 72 72 71 70 70 70 72 77 82 84 75
Mean monthlysunshine hours 83 108 148 163 196 218 244 226 178 144 92 75 1,886
Source: Agencia Estatal de Meterología[18]

Subdivisions

[edit]

Councils

[edit]
Basilica of San Prudencio,located inArmentia

The municipality of Vitoria has subsumed a number of rural villages, which are preserved asconcejos,retaining a certain degree of administrative autonomy.[19][20]

Politics

[edit]

In 2019,Gorka Urturan(EAJ-PNV), was re-elected to a four-year term as Mayor in coalition with thePSOE.The current municipal council composition is as follows:

Attractions

[edit]
San Miguel Arcangel Churchand the Virgen Blanca Square
Museum of Fine Arts of Alava
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria(Old Cathedral), a 14th-century Gothic building with a 17th-century tower. Under the pórtico are three open doorways decorated with statues and reliefs. In the interior, chapels containing Gothic, Flemish and Italian Renaissance images including paintings byRubensandvan Dyck.The cathedral is undergoing restoration and has been studied by experts from around the world for its architectural curiosities, including those deformations which it has suffered due to previous restorations.
  • Cathedral of María Inmaculada of Vitoria(New Cathedral), built and consecrated in the 20th century, inGothic revivalstyle.
  • Andre Maria Zuriaren plaza/Plaza de la Virgen Blanca.It is a square to which converge some of the most typical streets of the old town and the 19th-century city expansion and is surrounded by old houses with glass verandas. At its center stands a monument commemorating the Battle of Vitoria.
  • Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art of Álava, located in Cathedral of María Inmaculada ambulatory, houses samples of religious art heritage of the province, divided into sections of stone carving, wood carving, painting on wood, paint on canvas, jewelry and furniture liturgical.
  • Church of St. Peter the Apostle(14th century) in Gothic style. TheOld Portico,with a set of reliefs depicting scenes from the lives of St. Peter and the Virgin Mary, run under the pictures of the Virgin and the apostles.
  • Church of St. Michael the Archangel(14th–16th centuries), in Gothic-Renaissance style. Its portico has an image of the Virgen Blanca, patron saint of the city. Inside is an altarpiece byGregorio Fernández.
  • Church of San Vicente Mártir.A late Gothic building from the 15th and 16th centuries.
  • Church of the Carmen. A neoclassical temple built between 1897 and 1900.
  • Basilica ofSan Prudencio.Its original construction dates to the 12th century, but it was rebuilt in the 18th century. The temple houses sculptural samples from different eras and artists.
  • Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora of Estibaliz.Located in the town of Argandoña, 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Vitoria-Gasteiz, it dates to the 11th century.
  • Convent of Saint Anthony.A Clares nunnery from the 17th century.
  • Convent of Santa Cruz. Dominican nunnery from the 17th century.
  • Former hospice (16th–17th centuries), originally theColegio de San Prudencio.
  • Old Portico,Church of San Pedro.
  • Casa del Cordón,an example of civil Gothic architecture. It was built in the 15th century, but has kept a tower from the 13th century. TheCatholic Monarchsstayed here, andAdrian VIwas named Pope while residing here.
  • Basque Museum of Contemporary Art (Artium).Its permanent collection is considered one of the best and most important contemporary art in Basque and Spanish. It was inaugurated on April 26, 2002.
  • Museum of Natural Sciences, located in the Tower ofOtxanda Andrea,an example of medieval architecture. It is also a center for research and dissemination of Natural Sciences.
  • Museum of Archaeology, located in a house of wood lattice from the 16th century. The exhibition includesdolmens,Roman sculptures found in Álava, and medieval pieces.
  • Fournier Museum of Playing Cards,in the Bendaña palace. Vitoria-Gasteiz is known for the manufacture ofplaying cards.More than 6,000 cards are displayed in the museum.
  • Museum of Fine Arts,housed in aRenaissancemansion. It displays 14th-century carvings, Flemish 16th-century triptychs, panels of Spanish masters such asJusepe de Riberaand modern Spanish paintings.
  • Arms Museum of Álava is home to weapons from various ages, from prehistoric axes to 20th-century handguns. There is a large collection of medieval weaponry and reconstruction of theBattle of Vitoria.
  • Montehermoso Cultural Center, housed in restored 16th-century buildings, formerly headquarters of the Diocese of Vitoria. In 1997, with the annexation of the former water tank, the property became the Montehermoso Cultural Center, designed as a space for art exhibitions and musical performances.
  • Plaza de España or Plaza Nueva.A large arcaded plaza designed by the architect Antonio de Olaguibel in 1781 and designed to unite the old town with the new Story, then under construction.
  • Plaza de los Fueros.A triangular square used as a market and for other entertainment activities. It was designed byEduardo Chillida.
  • TheArkupe/Arquillos.This road was built with porticoes between the 18th and 19th centuries.
  • Ajuria Enea,the seat of President of the Basque Government (Lehendakari) since 1980. It was built in 1918 as the main residence of the family of the local entrepreneur Serafin Ajuria, and it is a fine example of the Basque architecture of the period.
  • Ataria,an information and interpretation centre for the wetlands ofSalburua,an important nature park on the eastern edge of the city.
  • Sequoia of Vitoria-Gasteiz,a 40-metre tall tree dating back to 1860
  • At thesquattedneighbourhood ofErrekaleor Bizirik,there are murals by artists includingBlu.[22]
  • Victims of Terrorism Memorial Centre, opened by the King and Queen of Spain on 1 June 2021.[23]

Economy and demographics

[edit]

The economy of Vitoria-Gasteiz is diverse, and many manufacturing companies and logistic centers have operations there, includingMercedes-Benz,Michelin,Gamesa,andHeraclio Fournier,the latter being headquartered there. The city is often ranked as one with the highest standard of living among all cities in Spain, and first as to green areas[24]and cultural places per capita.

Culture

[edit]
Sculpture ofWynton Marsalis,the bench shows names of musicians who performed at theVitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festivalover the years
Andre Maria Zuriaren jaiakfestival

Music

[edit]

Vitoria-Gasteiz hosts two annual international music festivals:

Further information on the rap music group:Kodigo Norte

Local festivities

[edit]

TheAndre Maria Zuriaren jaiak/Fiestas de la Virgen Blancafestival is celebrated every year from the 4th to the 9th of August in honour of the patron saint of the city, and features a programme of special events, activities and free open-air concerts.

San Prudencio Festivalis also celebrated in late April.

Each neighborhood has its festival, most of them between April and September.

Universities

[edit]

The liberal arts section of theUniversity of the Basque Countryis based in the south part of the city. Focusing on history and linguistics, the Álava campus is also home of the Faculty of Pharmacy, as well as some other technical, teaching and business related degrees. Its origins date back to 1847 when the firstEscuela Normal de Maestros de Álavawas established. A number of other colleges and faculties were adopted in 1978 by the emergingUniversity of the Basque Country.

European University Gasteiz,a private initiative with a focus on health and sport sciences and new technologies, opened in 2022 in the district of Salburua, after receiving official recognition from theBasque Parliament.[25][26]

Transportation

[edit]
Railway station of Vitoria-Gasteiz

Public transport within the city consists of acity busservice operated byTUVISA[27](10 lines) and atram networkoperated byEuskotren(2 lines sharing part of the way).[28]

Roads

[edit]

Vitoria-Gasteiz is well connected by road with the other Basque capitals and withMadrid.TheN-622 roadconnects with theAP-68 motorwaytowardsBilbao.[29]TheA-1 motorwayfrom Madrid toSan Sebastiánserves Vitoria-Gasteiz. Since 2009, the tolledAP-1 motorwayhas served as an alternative route towards San Sebastián and Burgos.[30]

Railways

[edit]

Vitoria-Gasteiz railway stationis one of the main stops on theMadrid–Hendaye railway.Half a dozenAlviatrains link the city each day withMadrid,running partially onhigh-speed linesto reach Madrid in 3 hours 7 minutes.[31]There are also connections toBarcelona.There is a complete lack of rail services to Andalusia[citation needed]and no direct rail link with Bilbao.[32]

TheBasque Yhigh-speed rail network is planned to connect Vitoria-Gasteiz with the French border,San SebastiánandBilbaowithin 35 minutes. However, work on this project has been slow and there is no date for its inaugural run.[33]

Aviation

[edit]

Vitoria Airportis 4th in Spain in cargo traffic,[34]it also offers some domestic and international passenger destinations.[35]Bilbao Airportis 50 minutes away by car, a direct bus line from Vitoria-Gasteiz will start operations in 2024.[36]

Urbanism

[edit]
Streets in Vitoria-Gasteiz
Salburua

From an urban point of view, Vitoria-Gasteiz is a mid-sized city, the line of which is adapted to the traditions of each historical moment. The medieval town is set in almond-shape around the hill foundation, which by its privileged position as the only elevation in the plain of Álava, became a defensive stronghold coveted by the kingdoms of Navarre and Castilla during the 11th and 12th centuries. The walled enclosure was built prior to the war between Castile and Navarre in the 11th century to defend the village. The defensive walls of old Gasteiz were built between the years 1050 and 1100. Because of that first defensive role, its narrow streets surrounding the oval resulted in compact rows of houses parallel both to each other and the medieval walls (of which only some sections and gates are preserved). Between the years 1854 and 1856, an epidemic of cholera served as the excuse for tearing down the gates, fortresses which provided access to the streets Run (fort of Nanclares), Shoe (fort of Soto) and Blacksmith (fort of Abendaño) and which served to protect every neighbourhood association. The entrance of the currentPlaza de la Virgen Blancawas the site of Santa Clara, which was joined by the wall at the Convent of San Antonio. In the 19th century, in recognition that the city was small, an expansion was planned in the neoclassical style, and little by little planning for the city has given Vitoria-Gasteiz its current form.

The Old Quarter (Alde Zaharra/Casco Viejo), has many architectural jewels such as Bendaña Palace, the Fournier Museum of cards (erected in 1525 by Juan Lopez de Arrieta, on the site occupied before by the defensive tower built by Maeztu). The Ezkoriatza-Eskibel Palace, built by Claudio de Arciniega in the 15th century. The Villa Suso, where Martin Salinas, ambassador ofCharles Vdwelt (16th century). And the greatest historical treasure of Vitoria-Gasteiz: the Cathedral of Santa Maria (Old Cathedral).

The history of the Cathedral of Santa María (commonly known asOld Cathedral), is itself a synthesis of the history of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Built on the cemetery of the primitive village of Gasteiz (which today can be accessed through the excavations), the church of Santa María collapsed with the fire of 1202 andAlfonso VIII of Castile(who had conquered the city just 2 years earlier), ordered that it be rebuilt on the site of a former church. It was now to serve two very different purposes: regular religious services and weapon storage. Thus was born the Cathedral of Santa Maria, a fortress-like church that served as the entrance to the city. The project changed with the centuries, so that each modification was made without taking into account the previous. This was the case in the 15th century (when the church became collegiate), and finally in the 1960s, when it was decided to reverse the previous works of strengthening of the external walls and widen the windows, made purely for aesthetic reasons, which had severely damaged the stability of the building. Today, the cathedral is open again, and offers visitors guided trips exposing the recent archaeological findings. It has become one of the main attractions of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Ken Follett, author of "The Pillars of the Earth", said after his stay in the city that Santa Maria was one of the three most interesting cathedrals of the world.[citation needed]

From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, the population of Vitoria-Gasteiz and the layout of its streets remained almost unchanged. And it was not until the late 18th century, when growth required the expansion of the city outside. To solve the problem of the difference in height between the original kernel on the hill, and the plain below, the arches were erected and the Plaza De España or Plaza Nueva was built, which soften the transition from the old city to the 19th century neoclassical expansion of wide streets and gardens, the greatest examples of which are seen in theLa FloridaPark,and theAndre Maria Zuriaren Enparantza/Plaza de la Virgen Blanca,with its façade pulled viewpoints.

Finally, the new quarters of Vitoria-Gasteiz were built, in accordance with a development plan favouring parks, recreation areas and quality of life. While aiming to maintain the identity of the city, and drawing on the district of San Martín, the need to accommodate the growing population has led the city to concentrate its growth in the new neighbourhoods of Lakua, Salburua and Zabalgan. The city of Vitoria-Gasteiz has received several international awards for its urban development. Also worth mentioning is the green ring, a network of parks and green spaces around the city, destined to be the lung of the future Vitoria-Gasteiz, and link the city with the countryside. This ring is formed of the parks Salburua, Zabalgana, Armentia, Alegria river, Gamarra,Abetxukoand Atxa-Landaberde.

Sports

[edit]

Each year the city hosts an Ironman triathlon, 'Ironman Vitoria-Gasteiz'.[37] The 2024 event was an Ironman Pro-Series event in which the Ironman world champion, Sam Laidlow, competed but was disqualified, having failed to serve a drafting penalty.[38]The mens race was won by Antonio Benito Lopez, of Spain.[39]The women's race was won by Kat Matthews, of the UK.[40]

Green Capital

[edit]
Olarizu, part of Vitoria-Gasteiz's green belt
See also:Green Belt of Vitoria-Gasteiz

Vitoria-Gasteiz held the title ofEuropean Green Capitalin 2012 due to the high proportion of green public areas, ensuring that the entire population lives within 300m of an open green space, its biodiversity and ecosystems services, as well as for the city's green policies.[41]

Twin towns – sister cities

[edit]
See also:List of twin towns and sister cities in Spain

Vitoria-Gasteiz istwinnedwith:[42][43]

Notable people

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^Municipal Register of Spain 2018.National Statistics Institute.
  2. ^Smith, Benjamin E., ed. (1895).The Century Cyclopedia of Names: A Pronouncing and Etymological Dictionary of Names in Geography, Biography, Mythology, History, Ethnology, Art, Archæology, Fiction, Etc....New York: The Century Co. p. 1041.
  3. ^Ripley, G.; Dana, C.A., eds. (1863).The new American Cyclopædia.Vol. 16. New York: D. Appleton and Company. p. 136.
  4. ^Moreno, Luis A. García; Fernández, Luis Suárez (10 March 2018).Leovigildo: unidad y diversidad de un reinado.Real Academia de la Historia.ISBN9788496849402– via Google Books.
  5. ^"Nova Victoria - Auñamendi Eusko Entziklopedia".
  6. ^abMoreno, Luis A. García; Fernández, Luis Suárez (10 March 2018).Leovigildo: unidad y diversidad de un reinado.Real Academia de la Historia.ISBN9788496849402– via Google Books.
  7. ^S. Villimer:Vitoria, historia de una ciudad,p. 160 (Vitoria 1977).
  8. ^Thomas, Hugh (2012).The Spanish Civil War(50th Anniversary ed.). London: Penguin Books. p. 226.ISBN978-0-141-01161-5.
  9. ^Beevor, Antony (2006).The Battle for Spain.London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson. p. 72.ISBN978-0-7538-2165-7.
  10. ^Beevor (2006) p.251
  11. ^Thomas (2012) p.596
  12. ^Beevor (2006) p.253
  13. ^"Masacre del 3 de marzo en Vitoria-Gasteiz (1976)".Artium.2010.Retrieved2016-07-14.
  14. ^Malaina, Guillermo (2008-02-13)."Los fantasmas de Fraga".Público.Retrieved2016-07-15.
  15. ^"Vitoria".JGuide Europe.Retrieved25 June2024.
  16. ^"INFORME SOBRE EL ANTISEMITISMO EN ESPAÑA 2017-2018",Observatorio Antisemitismo(2017–2018): 11,retrieved25 June2024
  17. ^"La comunidad judía de Euskadi homenajeará a Vitoria-Gasteiz por cumplir su promesa hace 526 años de cuidar su antiguo cementerio".Vitoria-Gasteiz.org.Retrieved25 June2024.
  18. ^"Balio Klimatologiko Normalak. Foronda-Txokiza".AEMET.Retrieved2013-08-21.
  19. ^Junta Electoral del territorio histórico de Álava.Boletín Oficial del Territorio Histórico de Álava.10 de diciembre de 2013. Consultado el 26 de abril de 2016.
  20. ^"Nombres oficiales de municipios y entidades de población".www1.euskadi.net.Retrieved2022-07-06.
  21. ^"Sitio web del Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz - El Pleno - Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz".vitoria-gasteiz.org.Retrieved2022-07-06.
  22. ^"Escif and Blu for Errekaleor Bizirik".Juxtapoz Magazine.30 August 2017. Archived fromthe originalon 16 June 2019.Retrieved16 October2019.
  23. ^"Inauguration of the Victims of Terrorism Memorial Centre in Vitoria".Government of Spain.
  24. ^"Las diez ciudades españolas con más superficie verde por habitante"(in Spanish). 14 May 2019.Retrieved30 May2022.
  25. ^López de Pariza, Sara (11 November 2021)."El Parlamento da el espaldarazo definitivo a la universidad Euneiz que abrirá en 2022".El Correo(in European Spanish).Retrieved17 November2021.
  26. ^Rego, María (14 September 2022)."Euneiz arranca en Vitoria con 110 alumnos y la intención de duplicar su oferta en un año".El Correo(in European Spanish).Retrieved16 September2022.
  27. ^"TUVISA. Autobuses urbanos".Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz(in Spanish).Retrieved23 April2022.
  28. ^"El tranvía de Vitoria cumple 10 años con el 90% de los viajeros satisfechos".El Correo(in Spanish). 19 December 2018.Retrieved17 May2021.
  29. ^"El precoz temporal causa dos muertos y colapsa el tráfico".El País(in Spanish). 10 November 2001.Retrieved30 December2022.
  30. ^"La autopista Eibar-Vitoria se abrió ayer al tráfico tras una década de obras".El Correo(in Spanish). 23 May 2009.Retrieved31 December2022.
  31. ^"Vitoria recupera el Alvia a Madrid de primera hora".Cadena SER(in Spanish). EFE. 30 June 2022.Retrieved31 December2022.
  32. ^"Infraestructuras de Transportes, Comunicaciones y Energía".euskadi.eus(in Spanish). Basque Government.Retrieved31 December2022.
  33. ^Gorospe, Pedro (21 December 2016)."The Basque Y: the very slow tale of a very fast train".El Pais.Retrieved16 January2018.
  34. ^Recuero, Marisa (9 March 2020)."Begoña Llarena, la primera mujer en dirigir un aeropuerto en España:" Mi día a día es darlo todo "".El Mundo(in Spanish).Retrieved31 December2022.
  35. ^Echeazarra, Saioa (3 December 2022)."Foronda ofrecerá más frecuencias en sus vuelos y nuevos chárter en 2023".El Correo(in Spanish).Retrieved31 December2022.
  36. ^del Campo, José Luis (22 December 2022)."Vitoria soporta al año el paso de más de 20.000 autobuses interurbanos".Noticias de Álava(in Spanish).Retrieved31 December2022.
  37. ^"Ironman".
  38. ^"Triathlon Magazine".15 July 2024.
  39. ^"Official results".18 August 2024.
  40. ^"Official results".18 August 2024.
  41. ^"European Green Capital".
  42. ^"Vitoria se hermana con la Capital colombiana de la música".gasteizhoy(in Spanish). Gasteiz Hoy. 2013-05-31.Retrieved2020-02-14.
  43. ^"El octavo hermanamiento".noticiasdealava(in Spanish). Noticias de Álava. 2014-04-17.Retrieved2021-12-21.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vitoria-Gasteiz&oldid=1242840238"