Gazteiz

Well, now that we are acquainted with the seven Basque provinces that conform Euskal Herria (formerly known as the Kingdom of Navarre) it is time we pay a visit to some of its main cities, so, let us start with Gazteiz. Gasteiz (Spanish: Vitoria), is a city in western Euskal Herria, capital city of the province of Araba and of the Basque Autonomous Community.

History

In the year 1181, Sancho VI the Wise, King of Navarre founded the town of 'Nueva Victoria' as a defensive outpost on top of a hill at the site of the previous settlement of Gasteiz. In 1200, the town was captured by the troops of Alfonso VIII of Castile, who annexed the town to the Kingdom of Castile. The town was progressively enlarged and in 1431 it was granted the title of City by King Juan II of Castile.

The principal episode in the later history of Vitoria-Gasteiz is the Battle of Vitoria of the Peninsular War on 21 June 1813. The French troops were comprehensively beaten by the Duke of Wellington and French control of Spain was ended. There is a monument commemorating this battle in the main square of the city, known as the Monument to Independence - Monumento a la Independencia. Vitória in Brazil was named in honour. Sadly, the Spanish and French control over Euskal Herria has not ceased despite numerous international treaties signed by both occupying states regarding the right to the self-determination of former colonies.

The old part of the city (el casco viejo), which lies on an elevation, is very well conserved and contains a number of remarkable monuments: Casa del Cordon (a house from the XV century), the gothic cathedral of Sta. Maria (XIV century), the Museum of Archaeology (XVI century) and the Torre de Doña Otxanda (a tower holding the Museum of Natural Sciences). The extension (el ensanche) was built south of the old city centre during the XIX century and contains the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca (a square where the Fiestas de la Blanca start) with the church of San Miguel, Los Arquillos (an Arcade (architecture)), and the Plaza Nueva (a square that holds every Sunday morning a street market). Further south, the Paseo de Fray Francisco is a wide street sided by mansions, many of which have been recently adapted for public use: the Palace of Ajuria Enea (the residence of the Lehendakari), the Museum of Arts, Museo de la Armería (weapons) and Museo Fournier de Naipes (playing cards).

Economy and demographics

The economy of Gasteiz is diverse, and many manufacturing companies have operations here, including Mercedes-Benz, Michelin and Heraclio Fournier, the latter being headquartered here.

Music

Vitoria-Gasteiz hosts two annual international music festivals:

* The International Vitoria-Gasteiz Jazz Festival, from the 10th to the 16th of July
* The Azkena Rock Festival, in late August and early September.

Local festivities

The Fiestas de la Blanca festival 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.

Universities

The liberal arts section of the University of the Basque Country is based in the south part of the city. Focusing on history and linguistics, the Araba campus is also home of the Faculty of Pharmacy, as well as some other technical, teaching and business related degrees.

Its origins date back from 1847 when the first Escuela Normal de Maestros de Álava was established. A whole other number of colleges and faculties were adopted in 1978 by the emerging University of the Basque Country.

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