Basque country capital on map of spain. Guide to the Basque Country: how to get, what to see, shopping, the best hotels and food of the region. On the fate of the Basques during the civil war, nostalgia for the "glorious" Middle Ages, the swift path to terrorism

Basque Country - the main resorts and areas, excursions and attractions, museums, reviews of tourists about the Basque Country.

In the north-east of Spain lies the autonomous region of the Basque Country, covering an area of \u200b\u200b7,234 square meters. km The original land has other names - Basque Country, Euskadi (in the Basque language). Do not confuse this part of the kingdom with the historical region of the same name, including the lands of Spain and France. The "local" Basque Country borders on Cantabria, Castile and Leon in the west, in the east, the neighbors of autonomy are Navarra and France, in the south - Rioja, and the north is washed by the waters of the Bay of Biscay.

The original region in the north-east of Spain has several names - Basque Country, Basque Country, Euskadi (in the Basque language).

A small area is divided into 251 municipalities and three provinces: Bizkaia, Alava, Gipuzkoa. Most of the population is concentrated in Biscay. Residents of the Basque Country speak Basque and Spanish. The colorful Basque language is very different from the Castilian language, the official Spanish dialect. Its roots go back to the pre-Roman era, the Basque dialect is not similar to any of the European languages.

The capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The largest cities are Bilbao, San Sebastian.

  Entertainment and Attractions

Autonomy, having the glory of one of the most industrialized areas of the kingdom, has preserved many reserved corners. Fairy-tale landscapes will appear before the eyes of the Basque Country guests on the banks of the Guernica River, in national parks, which cannot be counted here. The area is ideal for hiking, walking along the coast and mountain routes. The attention of travelers deserves a picturesque rocky coast near San Sebastian. Visit Salinas de Anyana, salt mines are developed using the same technologies as in the Roman era when they were discovered. Take time to visit the Biscay "Flying" bridge between Las Arenas and Portugalete, this unique construction of 1893 functions as a conveyor. Gondolas accommodating dozens of passengers depart every 8 minutes.

In the area of \u200b\u200bthe Costa Baska beach, you can see the remains of ancient cities, "chaholi" - sparkling wine was invented here.

Freedom-loving Basques were able to maintain their own traditions, therefore, folk festivals are regularly held in the region. In Bilbao, this is an August competition for the best shepherd dog. The medieval town of Tolosa hosts traditional carnivals.

To the west of Saint Sebastian, the capital of Gipuzkoa, is the Mundaka watershed, a nature reserve serving as a haven for millions of migratory birds.

The center of Basque culture is considered the province of Gipuzkoa. In the smallest Spanish region, stone buildings of the 16-19th centuries (the village of Bera de Bidasoa) are preserved, Segura is famous for its old mansions. You can take dance lessons from local residents, a special treasure of the Basques are song rituals.

In the Basque Country

  Vitoria-Gasteiz

The capital of the Basque Country is the center of the province of Alava. This unusually clean and comfortable city has a double name - Vitoria-Gasteiz, combining both the Spanish and the Basque name. Its foundation in 1181 on the site of the village of Gasteiz is the merit of King Sancho the Wise, this monarch surrounded the settlement with a fortress wall. In memory of that time, the names of the streets were preserved in Vitoria. And, of course, architectural structures - for example, the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria of the 14th century, which stores paintings by Rubens. The church of San Pedro Apostle has become the burial place of many famous personalities. The 11th-century Romanesque Nuestra Senora de Estibaliz is located in the suburbs of Vitoria.

Our Lady of Estibaliz is considered the patroness of the province of Alava.

Vitoria-Gasteiz, surrounded by a “green ring” of a chain of parks, has many museums - natural science, weapons of Alava, archeology, sacred art, modern, fine art and even playing cards. Of interest are the buildings in which these museums are located. By the way, an extensive exposition devoted to playing cards appeared in the capital of Basque country for a reason. It is in this city that the production of such products is established.

Basque Country

There are other meanings for this term, see Basque Country (meanings).

Autonomous community
Basque Country
basque. Euskal Autonomia Erkidegoa (Euskadi) spanish País Vasco
Guernica tree
42 ° 50 ′ s. w. 2 ° 41 ′ W d.HGYOL
Country	Spain, France
Includes	3 provinces
Adm. Centre	Vitoria-Gasteiz
The president	Iñigo Urquoulou
History and Geography
Date of formation	1130
Area	7,234 km² (14th place)
Timezone	UTC + 1
Largest cities	Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Donostia-San Sebastian, Bayonne, San Jean-de-Luz
GDP · per capita	35 300 €
Population
Population	2 189 534 people people (2016)
Density	302.67 people / km² (2nd place)
official languages	Basque, Spanish, French
Digital identifiers
ISO 3166-2 Code	ES-PV
Telephone code	+34 94
Internet domain	.eus
Official site
Audio, photo and video on Wikimedia Commons

Basque Country (Basque. Euskadi (Euskadi) or Euskal Herria (Euskal Erria), Spanish País Vasco (Pais Basco)), Euskadi, Basque Country - an autonomous community in northern Spain.

The capital is Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The Autonomous Community of the Basque Country is part of the historical region of the same name, the territory of which also extends to the Autonomous Community of Navarre (identical to the Spanish province of the same name) and the Northern Basque Country in the south of France.

  Economy

In the early 1970s, in the Basque Country, agricultural production was replaced by developed industry and tourism. As early as the beginning of the 70s of the XX century, the region was in a deep economic crisis, but already in the late 1980s, the situation began to rapidly change for the better. Today, the Basque Country is a rich region with developed agriculture. According to recent data, in the Basque Country, there are about 35 thousand small farms; animal husbandry since time immemorial is a traditional activity of the Basque.

One of the largest iron ore mining centers in Spain is located in the province of Bizkaia. Rich mineral deposits are located at the mouth of the Nervion River. In the Basque Country, the metallurgical industry is also rapidly developing. In Bilbao is one of the oldest and most famous metallurgical plants in the country - Altos Ornos de Bizkaia.

The main agricultural crops locals consider wheat, corn, barley, oats and rye - the fields of these crops are located in the province of Alava (Alava). La Rioja Alaves has large vineyards.

Along with animal husbandry, fishing is a traditional activity of the Basque. The main fishing ports are Fuenterrabbia, Pasajes, Ondarroa and Bermeo.

Forest land is another Basque wealth. The total area of \u200b\u200boak forests intended for deforestation is about 300 thousand hectares.

  Transport

  Railway transport

EuskoTren Trains at San Sebastian Station

The Basque country is served by the following organizations railway lines:

The RENFE State Rail Line connects Vitoria with San Sebastian and Bilbao with central Spain. There is also a Cercanías commuter rail network around Bilbao and San Sebastian.

FEVE - State Narrow Gauge Railways of Spain. FEVE lines connect Bilbao with Valmaceda and Bilbao with other regions of northern Spain.

EuskoTren is a narrow gauge railway network owned by the Basque Government. The main line “EuskoTren” connects Bilbao with San Sebastian, other lines connect these cities with their suburbs. There is one international line connecting San Sebastian with Hendaye (France).

  City transport and buses

The metro operates in Bilbao (see Bilbao Metro), trams in Bilbao (see Bilbao tram) and Vitoria. Both tram systems are provided by EuskoTran, a subsidiary of EuskoTren.

The main bus operators:

• “Bilbobus” - city buses in Bilbao;
• “BizkaiBus” - intercity buses in the province of Bizkaia;
• EuskoTren - in addition to trains, this company also provides intercity buses.

  Aviation

There are three airports in the Basque Country - Vitoria Airport, Bilbao Airport and San Sebastian Airport.

  Infrastructure

In the Basque Country, there is a unique Biscay bridge - a “flying ferry”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a monument to the history of technology.

Briefly about the region

The Basque Country is an autonomous region of northern Spain with an area of \u200b\u200b7,234 square meters. km It is adjacent to Cantabria, Castile and Leon in the west, with Navarre and France in the east, with Rioja in the South, and its northern part is washed by the Bay of Biscay.

The Basque country or Basque country is the land of an original culture dating back more than one millennium, which the Basques themselves call Euskadi or Euskal Herria - "Land of the Basque-speaking".

The Basque Country is a mountainous and picturesque region. Despite the fact that this region is the center of Spanish industry and agriculture, there are many attractions and attractive places for tourists.

The Basque Country combines the cultural and slightly pathos city of Bilbao, the youthful and sporting San Sebastian, where surfers from all over the world hang out all year round, and the Costa Basque with countless small port towns and amazing natural landscapes. Each guest will be able to open their own Basque Country, because it is a very diverse land.

You can see the city of San Sebastian right now in this author’s video:

All of Spain loves the holidays, but in the Basque Country this is especially noticeable. Throughout the year, one carnival is replaced by another festival or the celebration of a specially revered saint.

On January 20, all those who love rhythm gather in San Sebastian, as Tambradrad begins - a march of drummers along the main streets. Hundreds of groups of musicians, dressed in the brightest clothes, pass one after another, beating incendiary rhythms.

At the end of June, rock lovers gather in the capital of the region - one of the largest rock festivals in Spain is held here. Literally two weeks later the genre changes dramatically in Vitoria and the jazz festival begins. And at the end of August it is advisable to be on Bilbao's Great Week, when the townspeople celebrate the city's day for nine days.

What to see

The Basque country attracts a lot of attention of tourists from all over the world, providing a huge variety of leisure activities: from sightseeing and architectural monuments to active sports and walks in nature parks.

We have collected the top 10 most-most places that you must see with your own eyes:

The Cathedral of St. James in Bilbao is one of the central structures in the city. As often happens, the modern building stands on the site of previous churches that were destroyed or demolished. Bilbao enters the pilgrimage path of St. James, so there are always many believers.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of the most unusual buildings not only in the city, but throughout Spain. The flow of tourists has increased significantly after the grand opening of this building to visit everyone.

Photo: View of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

The new Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria is an adornment of the historical part of the city. This neo-Gothic building is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. It was called new to distinguish it from the already existing "old."

The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian - in addition to the beautiful decor elements, visitors are attracted by a huge organ, which for a long time wore the honorary title of the largest organ in the country.

Photo: Facade of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian

Miramar Palace in San Sebastian is a chic English-style mansion located just a few meters from the amazing beach. This is a true example of luxury. It was built as the summer residence of the royal family, and many rooms retained the original design and furnishings. The remaining rooms were regularly rebuilt to meet the new requirements of the time.

Gulf de la Concha in San Sebastian - these are endless beaches along the sea bay in the shape of a shell. Next to the beach, long embankments are built here, turning one into the other.

Photo: Beautiful Bay de la Concha in San Sebastian

Chavarri Palace in Bilbao - near the famous Guggenheim Museum, another original building is located. This eclectic-style building is striking in its variety of forms. Initially, this palace was built for the personal needs of the financial tycoon Salazar, but from the mid-20th century the Government of the Basque Country has been sitting here.

Basque Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria - since the beginning of the 21st century, this museum has pleased its visitors with wonderful masterpieces by both Spanish contemporary authors and foreign ones. In addition to the exhibition halls, there is a large library, archive and a separate educational center for those who study art.

Photo: Basque Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria

House del Cordon in Vitoria is a unique building in the Gothic style, built by a wealthy merchant in the 15th century. Many famous people of Spain lived in it. Now it houses an information center dedicated to the culture and original forms of creativity of the Basque people.

Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian - at the beginning of the 20th century, this iron bridge was opened, combining two shores. It is richly decorated with huge obelisks and gilded sculptures, many of which resemble the famous Parisian bridge of Alexander III.

What to do in the Basque Country

In the Basque Country it is difficult to get bored even for experienced tourists who are difficult to surprise. Here, and sport, and art, and unusual buildings and monuments. It’s hard to resist such a variety.

We have collected the top 20 things to do during a trip around this region:

1. Go to Bilbao Cathedral and become part of the great pilgrimage path of many believers.
2. Walk through the halls of the Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria - at first your eyes run up from such a variety of forms, combinations of lights and colors.
3. Look into the House del Cordon in Vitoria, built more than 500 years ago - a strict Gothic building with amazing interiors inside. This is an incomparable feeling of involvement in the great events of the past that occurred with the people who lived in this house.
4. Take a selfie on the Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian - there are gorgeous views of the river and banks around.
5. Swim on the beach of the Gulf of de la Concha in San Sebastian - there is almost always calm clear water without excitement.
6. Take a boat ride to the island of Santa Clara in San Sebastian - if you catch it at high tide, you can even swim there.
7. Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao - an amazing building in a modern style that attracts the attention of all tourists in the Basque Country.
8. Feel like a representative of the royal blood, strolling through the huge halls of the Miramar Palace, which served as the summer royal residence of the Spanish dynasty.
9. Lost among the huge New Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria - you feel like a grain of sand in a vast universe.
10. Take a walk on Mount Urgul in San Sebastian with a view of all the surroundings. For the most persistent, they will get a visit to the castle at the top as a reward for their labors.
11. Inspired by the paintings of Rubens on the walls of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in the capital Vitoria-Gasteiz.
12. Visit one of the best and oldest pastry shops in Spain, opened in 1886 by Manuel Goya (in the capital Vitoria-Gasteiz).
13. Lie down on the charming beaches of charming San Sebastian.
14. Taste the best pinchos and Basque tapas in the coastal pinchos bars of San Sebastian.
15. Taste chaholi wines in Costa Basque, which are not found anywhere else - neither in Spain nor in Europe.
16. Go through the mysterious mazes and feel like an ant in front of a huge spider in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
17. Climb Mount Gorbea or visit the outlandish stalactite caves of Posalagua.
18. Take a ride on the gondola of the extraordinary Biscay "Flying Bridge".
19. Go to the province of Gipuzkoa and learn crazy Basque dances.
20. Take a look at the colorful town of Ondarribia right on the border with France.

Where to live

Photo: One of the best hotels in Bilbao Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao

The Basque Country welcomes guests and tourists from all over the world with great hospitality, as you can see for yourself by checking into any of the hotels in the region.

We selected the top 5 hotels by experienced traveler reviews:

1. NH Bilbao Deusto (Francisco Macia, 9 | Deusto, 48014 Bilbao) - convenient location, within walking distance to most attractions in the historic city. Polite staff and a high level of service.
2. Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao (Avenida Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48004 Bilbao) is an excellent hotel with large rooms equipped with everything necessary for a quality stay.
3. Sercotel Coliseo (Alameda De Urquijo 13, 48008 Bilbao) - spacious room, excellent soundproofing, not far from the city center.
4. NH Canciller Ayala Vitoria (Ramon y Cajal, 5 | City Center, 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz) - a five-minute walk from the main tourist spots, a park is located nearby. Friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
5. Sercotel Boulevard Vitoria (Calle Zaramaga, 3, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz) - the rooms are always clean and tidy, the bathroom has all the bath amenities. Nearby is a large supermarket.

Plan of tours, tours for 1-3-7 days

Photo: Nature and landscapes of the Basque Country

The Basque country is becoming more and more popular with tourists every year: infrastructure is being developed, new restaurants and cafes are being opened, hotels are being hosted by the guests, and the authorities are coming up with various entertainments to attract interest in this region. We tried to embrace the immense and collected a week-long trip to the Basque Country:

What and where is

Basque cuisine is very diverse: it has many fish and seafood dishes due to its seaside location, and at the same time, locals know how and love to cook meat and vegetables.

We have collected 5 of the most original traditional Basque dishes:
1. “Chuleton de Vaca” - beef bone steak. You can choose any level of frying, but in any case it will be unsurpassed in taste.
2. Fish baked in the oven is a special delicacy and treating dear guests to a holiday or family celebration.
3. Dried cod - local chefs demonstrate amazing features of cooking dishes from this special ingredient. The taste is specific, but therefore unforgettable.
4. Idiazabal cheese (Idiazabal) - a rather fatty sheep’s cheese. It is stored for a long time, so you can safely take it with you as a gastronomic souvenir.
5. Marmita de bonito (Marmita de bonito) - a fish dish of tuna, potatoes, onions, tomato and pepper. In the Basque Country even arrange contests for the preparation of this treat.

Kitchen

In Basque country you will be deliciously fed wherever you go - with seafood and meat. According to one of the ratings of San Pelegrino, two of the ten best restaurants in the world are located in the Basque Country - these are Mugaritz and Arzak, and San Sebastian is the world leader in Michelin stars (four restaurants).

Basque cuisine is characterized by minimal use of hot spices, and the whole emphasis on the taste of the products themselves. The most popular dishes are marmitaco (tuna chowder) and an amazing cream goshua dessert.

There are also wines in Basque country - these are slightly sparkling Chakoli wines (Txakoli).

Best excursions by reviews

Sometimes, to understand the region, it is not enough to walk around everywhere independently with a guide in hand. Professional guides know special places hidden from tourists, tell informative stories and breathtaking legends.

We have collected 5 of the most popular excursions in the Basque Country:
1. The riddles of the Basque forest - thicket, medieval castles, cliffs, small fishing villages, in which time seems to have stopped forever. Participants will be able to experience the strength and power of this region, which is not in vain called the Country.
2. A walk through the elegant San Sebastian - a marina for the most sophisticated layers of the Spanish aristocracy. Everything has been done and decorated to the highest level in order to please the choosy people.
3. The cosmopolitan city of Bilbao is a bit messy and hectic, this city has an indescribable, but unique atmosphere. It can not be described in words, but can be felt in bars, galleries, museums, and even in the subway.
4. Tour of Vitoria - a walk through the old streets, accompanied by a guide and his colorful stories.
5. Boat trip along San Sebastian - this city has a unique location along a deep bay. From the sea there is an amazing view of the coast.

You can see the beauty of the city of Bilbao in this video:

Welcome to the Basque Country! Bienvenue au Pays Basque! Ongi etorri Euscal Herrira!

Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees, between France and Spain lies the Basque Country / Pays Basque - a bright and hospitable region, whose people are deservedly proud of their history, traditions, and identity. Despite the state border, by the will of history, lying between its French part in the north (Iparralde) and southern (Hegoalde), which is located in Spain, the Basque Country is a historically and culturally unified territory, unique and diverse, besides, it still speaks your language.

Even the concept of Basque Country (Euscal Herria) literally means "Basque-speaking country." Euskara is an ancient beautiful language of fishermen and whalers, corsairs and peasants, shepherds and hunters, the sun and wind, powerful waves of the Bay of Biscay, sheep pastures and dense forests to harsh mountain peaks. In the dry language of numbers, about three million Basques live in four Spanish provinces, and only 300 thousand live in France. The language of the ancestors is not forgotten by their children, while diligently studying Spanish and French on the corresponding side of the border. A worthy example for Maya Radzima of Belarus ...

It is difficult to outline the cultural and ethnic contours of the Basque Country, which do not always coincide with the administrative borders, but we will try. French Euscal Herria stretches between the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees in the south, the rugged Bay of Biscay in the west, the endless pine forests of flat Landes / Landes de Gascogne in the north and the historic Bearn / Bearn region in the east. It includes three old provinces, which are now part of Department No. 64 of the Atlantic Pyrenees of the New Aquitaine / Nouvelle Aquitaine region. Each of them offers a curious traveler a kaleidoscope of impressions and landscapes as diverse as contrasting.

Labourdan / le Labourde - coastline of the Basque Country, Cote Basque. Huge waves and winds from the Atlantic inexorably tread on this rocky coast, and sunny beaches delight vacationers and surfers. And all this magnificence is looked down upon by the Pyrenees, led by the mythical mountain of La Rhune.

Lower Navarra / la Basse-Navarre - hills and mountains, pastures and forests, the world of shepherds, livestock breeders, hunters ... and just lovers of mountain hiking. The turbulent history of this until 1620 of the sovereign Kingdom of Navarra left a rich architectural heritage here: castles, houses of nobles, chapels and churches. And you can start with prehistoric caves and megaliths.

The "Outback" Sul / la Soule (or Basque. Zuberoa / Zuberoa) - rocks and mountain gorges, green slopes and canyons, covered with vast forests of oak and ash ... Less well-known, less tourist and therefore the most authentic land of traditions and legends.

The Basque Country is a history with millennial roots and a rich cultural heritage. Not only what is stored in museums (there are also plenty of them: Fine Arts, Basque culture, the Ocean, Chocolate, etc.), but the legacy of the times, frozen in the stones of the eternal mountains or the local dolmens, menhirs and cromlechs. The story told on the walls of prehistoric caves, say, Isturits (grottes d’Isturiz) or Oxoselaya / Oxocelhaya, whose prehistoric drawings and objects of work date from 40 to 10 thousand years BC. e. (scary to think, but you can even see). The legacy imprinted in the stones of the local castles Bidas / chateau de Bidache, Ioldy / Iholdy, Urtyubi / Urtubie, Abbadi / Abbadia (albeit not so ancient, but the work of the master Viollet-Le-Duc himself) ...

Who are the Basques, and where did they come from? Theories were put forward even to the strangest: they are the sons of the mythical patriarch Aitor or the descendants of Adam and Eve, or Noah, or even distant relatives of the Georgian highlanders ... What is scientifically proven today: euskara is the only surviving pre-Indo-European language of Western Europe. For most scholars, the ancestors of the present Basque are Cro-Magnons, and from the Iron Age they inhabited a conditional triangle from the Pyrenees mountains to the Garonne River in the north and Atlantic in the west. Throughout its history, the Basques knew how to live by themselves. At the same time, like all the highlanders, they were isolated, and in constant contact with other civilizations. Of course, there were both peaceful and warlike interactions. The Celts settled here from the VI century. BC e .; the Romans are running out from the II century. before Christ, and after the first successes of Caesar in -56, the legions of Messala by 27 BC e. conquer the valleys of Gallia Aquitania. Defiant vascons strengthen in the inaccessible spurs of the Saltus vasconum Pyrenees.

With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Basques had to face its German conquerors. Suevs and Visigoths in the south, Franks (especially at the peak of glory under Charles the Great) from the north tried to subdue the Vascons, who defended their lands from Arabs, Berbers and other Muslim Moors of the Cordoba emirate until the middle of the 10th century. But in general, all these attempts ended in failure. In the VII century. the independent county of Vasconia is founded; since 864, the country was given the name Gascony, or Gascony / Gascogne, which to this day is the historical part of Occitania in France. By the way, the Bay of Biscay here in French is called the Gascon / golfe de Gascogne.

On the Spanish side appeared the county (later duchy) of Navarre. At that time, when Columbus discovered America, Castile begins the "golden period" of expanding its power in the New and Old Worlds. In 1513, South Navarra was conquered by the Aragonese and became part of the Kingdom of Spain. North Navarre remained independent until 1589, when its sovereign Henry III of Bourbon became king of France under the name Henry IV during the bloody period of the massacre of Catholics with the Huguenots. The Bourbons sat on the throne of the “cursed kings” of Valois, and the kingdom of Navarre was finally annexed to France in 1620.

Vascons, Gascons, Basques, Navarrais, Bearns ... Today it is advisable not to confuse their contemporaries, and we do not want to confuse you! It’s just originally - this is one ethnos, divided in a neighborly way, but culturally and geographically having much in common. We simplify this possible confusion of "who is who" on a concrete historical example.

Jean-Armand du Peyre, Count de Treville (1598-1672). Originally from Gascony. The character is solid. He made a brilliant career to the rank of captain-lieutenant (de facto commander) of the royal musketeers under Louis XIII. Famous for the novels of Dumas and the brilliant game of Lev Durov in our "Three Musketeers." In the memoirs of his contemporaries (especially Parisians, where all the rest are NOT from Paris - some kind of provincials), he passes as a nobleman and Basque, and Bearn. De Treville prefers to recruit his Bearn and Gascon fellow countrymen into the musketeers (everything is just like people ..). And the well-known cousins \u200b\u200bHenri d’Aramitz and Arman d’Atos, as well as Isaac de Porto, serve the king. Here, Dumas was not far from true historical characters, unlike the real d’Artagnan - right, Gascon! The “gray cardinal” Richelieu gave his soul to God in 1642. D’Artagnan, thanks to the patronage of the same de Treville, only entered the company of the royal musketeers in 1644 (therefore, La Rochelle never once besieged and did not fight with the guardsmen everywhere). However, in 1646 the musketeer company was disbanded; de Treville went to his homeland, and d’Artagnan continued to serve under Cardinal Mazarin. Therefore, for historical truth, we’ll take it off (we are in the homeland of the legendary headdress!) And pour Armagnac into glasses. For reference: armagnac - 1) the local brandy, it is the oldest “moonshine” of France; 2) a drink of real Gasconians, a thousand devils!

But back to the Basque Country. The final stage of the state division of the Basque people into the French and Spanish parts is the signing of the Iberian Peace in August 1659. Louis XIV, marrying the Spanish infante of Maria Theresa in Saint-Jean-de-Luz / Saint-Jean-de-Luz, drew the current border between the Basque Country of the North and the South. And the town of Saint-Jean (as the locals call it) preserved the church, where in 1660 there was a magnificent wedding of the Sun King and the Spanish princess, and newlywed palaces overlooking the picturesque fishing port.

In the XIX century. the same Saint-Jean, the city of fishermen, sailors and corsairs, became popular as a seaside resort. However, he is not alone: \u200b\u200bSibur / Ciboure, Bidar / Bidart, Biarritz / Biarritz, Anglet / Anglet ... wealthy lovers of a glamorous and health-improving vacation at sea reached the Basque coast. The arrival of the first train to Bayonne (the capital of Cote Basque) in 1854 further contributed to the development of local tourism (even if only for the nobility then). Before and after World War II, the Basque coast is gradually becoming accessible to “ordinary citizens”. Here, on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, on the beaches from Hendaye / Hendaye to Biarritz, from the 1950s, a stormy procession through Europe begins from Europe brought surfing from America, a beautiful and courageous sport, not a way of life that attracts lovers of all ages to ride "On the crest of a wave". For lovers of a more relaxing holiday, there are thalassotherapy centers, spa resorts, beach hotels and apartments for every taste and budget. In winter, even ski resorts work! “There is no plain to you, here the climate is different ...”

The powerful and indomitable Atlantic is again the Basque Country. From its shores, the Basques have long equipped their fleet to hunt whales, whose whalers watched their breath from high coastal plateaus. The fleet on which they went to Dakar to catch tuna (which they hunt in the local waters to this day / try it mi-cuit!), To Newfoundland for cod and to Canada in search of a better life. For many impoverished mountaineers from Sul and Lower Navarra, the ocean was both a job and an “exile”. The bravest of them were destined to conquer the unknown and discover their America, and the lucky ones - even return with a fat wallet or with something unprecedented. So, with a basque sailor, a burning chili pepper was also brought, which now solemnly decorates the facades and interior of numerous restaurants and shops, but most of all le piment grows and the village of Espelette grows with it. By the way, usually a Basque has a white house, a fakhferk (like pepper) is red, and a beret is black.

The colors of traditional clothing in the Basque Country are the same red-black (find yourself in Saint-Jean on the feast of St. John - our Ivan Kupala) or red and white in Bayonne on the “Fetes de Bayonne”, from the first Wednesday of August a kind of peaceful intrusion for a week from dancing, giant catwalks, racing with bulls ... Whether it's a holiday-fete of the village, a fair-foire (ham, cheese, table linen), a match in the pelota (pelota - a national game, a prototype of squash) or a local bullfight in France!) - This is a bright anthem to traditions. And this is not about revealing folklore from the stage, but about a vibrant culture that everyone can join.

Any guest here is the place and is part of the action. Everyone is invited to drink wine-cider-beer in moderation and sing without restrictions (although the opposite is true). Tasting the famous cured Bayonne ham and sheep cheeses with piperade (vegetable stew of red and green pepper - the color of the Basque flag!) Or a variety of tapas. Mountain trout and lamb, white mushrooms (yes, we are talking about boletus!) And a wild dove ...

Now we pass from the carnal to the spiritual. An integral part of Basque culture is the church, although the Basques comparatively late (in the X century, when Russia was baptized) adopted Christianity. Since that time, pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela to Spain ran through their lands, and in the town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the ancient capital of Lower Navarra, converged as much as 4 roads of St. James. And today, according to the custom established in the early Middle Ages, pilgrims go through these places with a staff in their hands. Instead of a wooden stick, there may be alpenstocks, instead of a heavy long raincoat - high-tech wind-shelters, shorts and mountain boots. But it is almost unmistakable to recognize pilgrims of the 21st century even today by the shell of a scallop, the symbol of St. James, on a backpack or hat. Some houses on the streets of the city are also decorated with a shell of Saint-Jacques, which means: the owners of the house are ready to let the pilgrims in for the night.

But do not visit us Basque in neighboring Spain? The border is near and formally absent. The same inscriptions "Ongi etorri!" in Basque. One people - one language. From Hendaye, you can go across the river in a boat to the Spanish Hondarribia / Hondarribia, say, for a late French lunch, drink the Navarre red, Rioja, Ribera del Duero or taste the freshest tuna (also red). The famous San Sebastian / San Sebastian (in Basque Donostia) is a stone's throw from shopping. The landscape of San Seba unfolds against the backdrop of the picturesque bay-shell La Concha; in the old quarter and at the port it’s always Basque-Spanish delicious, noisy and crowded, and in October there’s also an international film festival ... A good hour on the freeway and you will be in Bilbao, where the Guggenheim Museum will definitely make you think about the conceptuality and the line between a bunch of garbage and an underground masterpiece of modern art. The same hour drive south - and the architecture, culture and gastronomy of the centuries-old Pamplona / Pamplona at your feet. At the same time, running from the bulls along its narrow streets is not necessary ...

Whether you like holidays on the sea or mountain routes, surfing or caves, you like to know any traditions of the Basque people or masterpieces of modern art, you will be attracted by a variety of landscapes and architectural styles or bright southern cuisine - all this is possible here and immediately. Without exaggeration (you will leave them for stories familiar after returning from your trip to the Basque Country). And our recipe is now known to you: take Basque authenticity from the heart, add a little France and Spain, beat everything with the waves of the Bay of Biscay, add pinnacles of the Pyrenees and something else to your taste for piquancy. Cook with pleasure and stirring regularly ... At least a week!

Our proposals for all kinds of excursions and attractions of the region are in more detail in the section “Ah yes Basque Country”.

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Presentation for the lesson in local history (Grade 7)

The authorities of Catalonia have developed a bill providing for the declaration of independence unilaterally. The validity of the document is checked by the Attorney General of Spain. Catalonia and the Basque Country have always been the most "explosive" points of the country. 850 people died at the hands of the Basque separatists in the 1970s and 1980s. It was they who killed the successor of Francisco Franco. The militants dug a tunnel under the street where Carrero Blanco drove, and planted explosives there.

The fate of the Basques during the civil war, nostalgia for the “glorious” Middle Ages, the swift path to terrorism and positions in the ISIS region * - in our material.

Bullet for Franco

The Basques have an independent past of seven centuries: in the 9th-16th centuries, they were part of the Kingdom of Navarre. Catalonia was the most developed region in the Kingdom of Aragon. Starting in the 1800s, Catalan literature focuses mainly on nostalgia for an independent past. Poets called life as part of Spain slavery, historians insisted on the special role of the people in European civilization. Catalan nationalists sought, first of all, to defend their native language and the position of the Catholic Church. Artists painted sketches from the life of the “glorious” Middle Ages.

At the beginning of the XX century, the nationalism of the Basques and Catalans experienced an unprecedented rise. Both peoples were overly economic - the joys of siesta were not for them. Landowners worked tirelessly, and at the beginning of the XX century, the Basque Country and Catalonia became one of the most prosperous regions of Spain. Today, Basques contain up to 40 thousand large farms, and Catalonia produces more than 25% of Spain's gross national product. This is one of the reasons that prompted residents of the regions to seek independence with weapons in their hands. “Previously, the backbone of the movement was left-wing youth and relatives of those who suffered from Franco’s repressions. Today, large and medium-sized businesses, as well as conservative people who see the economic benefits of independence from Spain, have joined the independence movement, ”said journalist Samara Welte.

In 1919, the Catalans prepared a draft Statute of Autonomy. Madrid, of course, did not support this initiative. Later the region received partial independence, but was obliged to obey directives from the center.

Spain, 1939

During the civil war of 1936-1939, Catalonia and the Basque Country became the main centers of resistance of Franco. A dictatorship would mean the collapse of hope for autonomy. The main "trump card" of the Basque was air superiority. However, it was still not possible to repulse the rebels: at the height of the conflict, the foreign allies stopped supplying ammunition and food to the region. In April 1937, the Basques lost their main shrine - Guernica. 40 tons of bombs were dropped on the city. Guernica was surrounded by fire, hundreds of citizens left their homes. Subsequently, Pablo Picasso captured these events in the painting "Guernica". The destruction of the city of the radical Basques used in their propaganda. In February 1939, Catalonia was occupied.

Guernica after the bombing

During the dictatorship, separatists staged demonstrative reprisals. In 1974, 25-year-old anti-fascist Salvador Puig Antik was executed. He organized an underground printing press that published anarchist literature. In 1975, Francisco Franco signed the death penalty for five imprisoned terrorists. For 36 years, the Basques dictatorships lost their hard-won rights. They were forbidden to publish literature and teach in their native language, use national symbols and give Basque names to children. At that time, up to 2 million Basques lived in Spain; the total population reached 35 million people. Another 15 million Basques settled in Latin America.

The Catalans suffered the same fate. Researcher Gomez Ping wrote: “The Catalan language was limited exclusively to the domestic sphere. Only traditional Catalan dances and music recognized by official propaganda were allowed. ” The unification of the linguistic space of the country fueled nationalist sentiments.

How the Basques laid down their arms

In 1959, the Basque separatist group, Basque Country and Freedom (ETA), was born. ETA embarked on the path of armed struggle. The program document of the group proclaimed a course towards the socialist revolution. The first act of terrorism she committed in 1968. Then a senior police officer was killed. Throughout Spain, militants blew up government agencies and railways. "Basque Country and Freedom" enjoyed widespread popular support. Their actions were regarded as the only way to oppose the dictatorship. In 1973, Prime Minister Carrero Blanco was killed in an explosion. The terrorists made a dig under one of the main streets in Madrid. An armored car weighing 1.5 tons, on which the official drove, at the time of the explosion took off to a height of several floors.

Francisco Franco

After the death of Franco in 1975, the Basque Country and Catalonia received autonomy. Regional issues were now administered by local parliaments. “Part of the taxes went to Madrid. Since 1975, local authorities have independently made decisions in the field of education and healthcare, production, infrastructure, ”said Samara.

Despite these measures, the Basque Country and Freedom did not cease its activities. Units of 20-30 people operated in different parts of Spain. According to experts, in the 1970s and 1980s, there were about 500 militants. To get funds for terrorism, ETA kidnapped people and demanded a huge ransom from relatives. In addition, representatives of the organization “roofed” Basque entrepreneurs for substantial contributions. A major terrorist attack occurred in 2009 in Burgos - then, as a result of a car explosion, 46 people were injured. In 2011, special services liquidated part of the leaders of the Basque separatists, and in April 2017 ETA declared its disarmament.

According to Samara, in recent years, an increase in separatist sentiments has been observed in the Basque Country. “The Catalans demanded a referendum starting in 2010. Then more than a million people participated in the march through Barcelona. Protests were held annually, the number of participants reached 2 million. The movement was joined by trade unions, universities and the football club Barcelona. As a result, the referendum on the independence of Catalonia in 2014 was symbolic. The court of Spain declared it inconsistent with the constitution of the country, and it had no legal force. However, in 2016, parliamentary elections in the Basque Country were won by right-wing nationalists, ”the journalist emphasized.

A number of experts claim that ISIS * is “hunting” for radical Basques. According to Samara, this information is not true: “There is no chance that the group has replenished its ranks at the expense of the Basques. Firstly, people of the same religion and one nationality live here, and it’s unlikely that they can “play” on their religious feelings. Secondly, the Basques have just stopped the 50-year-old armed struggle. The conflict was not ethnic in nature - it was about gaining independence and building socialism. But at the same time, we are witnessing an alarming trend in the region: girls and boys who have never participated in armed struggle idealize it. ”

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on the eve that "in no case" will not allow a referendum on the independence of Catalonia.

* Organization banned in Russia by decision of the Supreme Court

The Basque Country, also known as the Basque Country or Euskadi, is a region in northeastern Spain that is divided into three provinces: Bizkaia, Alava, Gipuzkoa. Most of the population lives in Biscay, its center is the fashionable and cultural Bilbao, the main city in Gipuzkoa is the youth and surfer San Sebastian, and almost the entire territory of Alava is natural reserves and villages. Lovers of antiquities will appreciate the ancient architecture of cities, gourmets - original Basque cuisine (no, it's not just seafood and pinchos) and local cider, surfers are the coolest waves in Spain, and party-goers - discos and festivals.

Residents of the Basque Country speak Basque, which is very different from the Castilian norm of Spanish. Its roots go back to the pre-Roman era, and it does not look like any of the European languages.

How to get to the Basque Country

The largest international airport in the Basque Country is located in Bilbao, there are no direct flights from Russia. From Moscow Sheremetyevo Air France fly there via Paris and Brussels Airlines via Brussels. Traveling from 6.5 hours one way, ticket prices - from 170 EUR round trip. Prices on the page are for August 2019.

Bus No. 3247 from Bizkaibus runs from Bilbao Airport to the city every 15 minutes. The stop is located at the exit of the terminal, tickets are sold at the box office next to it. The bus goes to Termibus Central Bus Station and also stops at Moya Square. The journey to the final 20 minutes, fare: 3 EUR, taxi to the center: 15-25 EUR. From Bilbao Airport there is a direct bus to San Sebastian. Buses of the Pesa company (official website in English) run every half hour from 7:45 to 23:45, on the road 1 hour 15 minutes, the fare is 17 EUR.

San Sebastian also has an airport, but flying there is longer and more expensive. The fastest and most cost-effective option is through Barcelona with the joint flights of Aeroflot, Woeling and Es Seven. Departure from Domodedovo, arrival at Sheremetyevo. Traveling from 7.5 hours, tickets will cost from 350 EUR in both directions. Several buses go from the airport to the city center, all of them go to Gipuzkoa Square. The journey takes 15 minutes, the fare is 1.65-2.35 EUR, by taxi - 8-10 EUR.

Search for flights to Bilbao (the closest airport to the Basque Country)

Transport

In the Basque Country you can travel by train and intercity bus. Railways are represented by the Euskotren company (of. Site in English), trains run between major cities. The road from Bilbao to San Sebastian will take from 4 to 6.5 hours and will cost from 30 EUR one way. In the morning, the train leaves at 6:30, 9:20 and 9:40, in the afternoon at 15:20, in the evening at 17:00.

Alsa buses (official website) offer access to Madrid and Barcelona, \u200b\u200bPesa runs in the region. The bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian is poisoned every 30 minutes, it takes 1 hour 20 minutes and costs from 12.60 EUR one way. You can buy tickets (online) only between the cities of Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz, to other cities - only at the box office at the station.

Basque Country Hotels

Most hotels in the Basque Country are located in major cities: Bilbao, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Prices for three rubles in Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz start from 50 EUR per day for a double room, the four will cost 85 EUR. Staying in San Sebastian is about twice as expensive: treshki - from 100 EUR, bed in a hostel - from 30 EUR, regardless of the season.

The urban development is mostly old, so be prepared for the lack of elevators and heating.

Beaches

The beaches delight mainly surfers and less often beach lovers. The best of them are located in the province of Gipuzkoa, in the vicinity of San Sebastian: there are excellent waves all year round and warm water thanks to the Gulf Stream. One of the most beautiful and most popular beaches for tourists is La Concha in San Sebastian, it is quite small, the sandy coast, there is all the infrastructure - from rental sunbeds and umbrellas to excellent restaurants, children's slides and trampolines.

The largest beach in the province is Saraouts (2.5 km in length). It is divided into three zones, the central one is “given” to surfers, the western one is for families with children, and the eastern one has beautiful boardwalks.

In Bilbao, all the beaches are located outside the city, but many can be reached by metro. The most popular and the closest to the city is the sandy Las Arenas, surfers hang out there, but when there are no waves, you can swim (metro station "Areeta", then on foot). At 3 km from the station "Plence" there is a nudist beach Barrika, located in the village of the same name.

All beaches are free, you only have to pay for renting an umbrella and sunbed: 5-20 EUR, depending on the landscaping.

Shopping

The most popular souvenir from the Basque Country is the black beret “chapel”, which is still worn by some local men, and the fatty smoked “idiasabal” cheese made from sheep’s milk. All this is sold in souvenir shops and markets.

In large cities there are shopping centers where you can buy clothes and shoes of Spanish brands. The Fashion Barakaldo outlet in Bilbao offers discounts from 30 to 70% all year round; you can get to it by metro to Bagatza Station and then on foot.

For every day products, the cheapest way is to go to the Eroski and Carrefour chain supermarkets, and for delicacies to the markets.

Bilbao has the largest indoor market in Europe - Ribera, located on this place since the 14th century. They sell Spanish products at non-tourist prices. A flea market opens on Sunda Plaza Nueva in Bilbao on Sundays, and in Balmaceda every year in March, a real medieval market is reconstructed with costumed performances and a fair.

In the Basque Country

Cuisine and restaurants of the Basque Country

In the Basque Country, tapas bars and traditional restaurants are popular - ciderres, which serve 2-3 varieties of cider (at least there is dry and sweet) and various snacks. Behind haute cuisine it is worth going to San Sebastian: 15 Michelin stars for 8 restaurants. Among them, it is worth noting the restaurant of innovative Basque cuisine Arzak (Avda. Alcalde Elosegui, 273).

A popular traditional dish is “marmitaco” (tuna and potato stew), also cured cod and “chuléton de waca” \u200b\u200b- beef bone steak are everywhere served. From desserts, try a Basque custard cake with cherries, and a slightly sparkling fruity “chakoli” is considered the best local wine.

In the city of Astigarraga make an excellent apple cider, the season lasts from January to April.

A glass of beer and 5-6 pinchos in a tapas bar will cost 15-20 EUR, dinner in a restaurant - from 60 EUR for two without drinks, from 12:00 to 16:00 many of them serve "menu-day-dia" for 13-20 EUR per person. The average check for two in a restaurant with a Michelin star is 200-250 EUR without drinks.

Guides in the Basque Country

Entertainment and Attractions

The Basque country is famous for its national parks. Near Bilbao is the most famous biosphere reserve in the region - "Urdaibai" (Urdaibai, Biscay): forests, hills, the Atlantic coast, as well as small towns with historical monuments. Walking and cycling routes were laid in the park, and the Game of Thrones was also filmed here, and a herd of Basque ponies can be seen.

Urquiola Park (Lugar Barrio Urkiola, 9F) is located on the slopes of the Durangesado mountain range, and not far from the town of Dela in the province of Gipuzkoa, the hiking route Flut (Ruta del Flysch) is one of the most picturesque in Spain.

Gipuzkoa is considered the center of Basque culture. In almost any city, you can take dancing lessons from local residents and look at song rites.

San sebastian

Here are located not only surfer beaches, but also the largest church in Basque Country - the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Urdaneta Kalea, 12) and the Miramar Palace (48 Paseo Miraconcha, 20007) - the former summer residence of the royal family, where furniture and decor of the 19th century are preserved. Today, in these luxurious interiors, the headquarters of the center of musicology is located and summer courses of the local university are held.

Victoria Gasteiz

In the capital of the Basque Country go to watch architecture. In the center of the city rises the gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria of the 14th century (Santa Maria Plaza, s / n), which houses paintings by Rubens. San Pedro Apostle Church (Fundadora de las Siervas de Jesus Kalea, 2) is buried with local famous personalities, and 9 km from Vitoria Gasteiz is a 11th-century Roman Nuestra Senora de Estibalis temple. There are also many museums and galleries in the city, the Artium Museum of Modern Art (Francia Kalea, 24) is especially interesting.

Bilbao

One of the symbols of Bilbao is the Guggenheim Museum. Its building at the same time looks like a giant flower and a spaceship, and a glass bridge over the Nervion River leads to the entrance. The Way of St. James passes through Bilbao, so there are many cathedrals in the city: the Gothic Cathedral of St. James of the 14th century, the church of San Nicolas de Bari, etc.

Weather

There are several climatic zones in Basque country, in the mountains it is traditionally a little cooler, and on the ocean it is windy. In general, summers here are not very hot, and winters are rather mild, surfers come here all year round. This is the rainiest region in Spain, the least rainfall occurs in May and June.

The first evidence of settlements in this part of France dates back to the Neolithic times (5000–2000 BC). Later this place was captured by the Celts, then by the Romans, who in turn were expelled by Germanic tribes who came from the east. In 778, the Franks, led by Emperor Charlemagne, were repelled, as was the attempt to conquer this territory by Louis IX of France (1226–1270) in 824. After this, the Basque Country became part of the newly created kingdom of Pamplona.

In 1530, Charles V (1364–1380) made Basse-Navarre part of France, while Labourdan and Soul, the other northern provinces of the region, were added to France in 1589. Spain retained Bizkaia, Gipuzkoa, Alava and Navarra. In 1659, the Iberian world led to reconciliation between France and Spain, which was secured by the marriage of young Louis XIV in France with the Spanish infante in 1660.

At the end of the 18th century, the Basque Country entered a period of economic downturn, which ended only with the beginning of the development of tourism. Today, this region is not only a paradise for lovers of water sports, but also for history buffs and pilgrims, thanks to a renewed interest in the ancient pilgrims who cross it. Attractions along were identified as in 1993.

Over the centuries, despite numerous changes in government, the Basque Country has held fast to its national identity. Today this is expressed both in the use of the Basque language of Euskar, and in the architecture of the region, its religious and secular holidays and.

View Basque Country

Part of the Basque Country, lying on French territory, includes three historical provinces:

• Lower Navarre (Basse-Navarre)  - a world of shepherds and hunters, with numerous pastures and forests and mystical megaliths. Until 1620, it was an independent Kingdom of Navarra, from which a rich architectural heritage was preserved.
• Labourdan  - the coastal part of the Basque Country and the most tourist: rocky steep cliffs are replaced by sandy spits with thin sand and the best beaches - a paradise for vacationers and surfers. And algae-rich waters turned Labourd into a medical resort with numerous thalassotherapy centers.
• Sul (Soule)  - less tourist, the deepest part of the Basque Country, retaining a largely intact appearance and authenticity.

Lower navarra

There are several cities in Lower Navarre, especially Saint-Palais and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, which were once the main stopping points on.

• Saint-Palais
• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Labourdan

Together with the Bay of Biscay (which is here called in the French manner the Gasconian Gulf), Labourdan consists of hills and mountains, such as Runa, Aksuria and Artsamendi, with many picturesque villages, such as Ascain. The capital of the region is, although the most popular city is, undoubtedly, a resort for the upper layers of society and surfers, a thalassotherapy center. For many years, Biarritz is very popular among.

Labourdan is known for its 5-day Bayonne festival - Fêtes de bayonne  - The largest summer festival in France, as well as red pepper.

View in Labourdan:

• Hendaye
• Ciboure
• Ascain

The Basque Country is an autonomous region of northern Spain with an area of \u200b\u200b7,234 square meters. km It is adjacent to Cantabria, Castile and Leon in the west, with Navarre and France in the east, with Rioja in the South, and its northern part is washed by the Bay of Biscay.

The Basque Country or Basque Country is the land of an original culture dating back more than one millennium, which the Basques themselves call Euskadi or Euskal Herria - "Land of the Basque-speaking."

The Basque Country is a mountainous and picturesque region. Despite the fact that this region is the center of Spanish industry and agriculture, there are many attractions and attractive places for tourists.

The Basque Country combines the cultural and slightly pathos city of Bilbao, the youthful and sporting San Sebastian, where surfers from all over the world hang out all year round, and the Costa Basque with countless small port towns and amazing natural landscapes. Each guest will be able to open their own Basque Country, because it is a very diverse land.

You can see the city of San Sebastian right now in this author’s video:

All of Spain loves the holidays, but in the Basque Country this is especially noticeable. Throughout the year, one carnival is replaced by another festival or the celebration of a specially revered saint.

On January 20, all those who love rhythm gather in San Sebastian, as Tambradrad begins - a march of drummers along the main streets. Hundreds of groups of musicians, dressed in the brightest clothes, pass one after another, beating incendiary rhythms.

At the end of June, rock lovers gather in the capital of the region - one of the largest rock festivals in Spain is held here. Literally two weeks later the genre changes dramatically in Vitoria and the jazz festival begins. And at the end of August it is advisable to be on Bilbao's Great Week, when the townspeople celebrate the city's day for nine days.

Geographic features

The Basque Country is the brightest gem in the crown of northern Spain. Here two realities coexist at once: heavy industry is developed and forests, colorful bays and bays reign, amazing villages have been preserved.

Landscapes and landscapes of the Basque Country are as unique as the Basques themselves - emerald evergreen hills, mighty mountains and picturesque rocky bays.

In Basque country, there are 14 natural parks with well-planned trekking routes of varying complexity. For instance:

• Gorbea Natural Park invites you to climb the mountain of the same name, from where stunning landscapes open;
• Armagnon Natural Park attracts tourists with the cave of Posalagua with stunning stalactites;
• Urdabay biosphere reserve pleases with picturesque views, etc.

Climate

Basque country is characterized by a mild and humid climate; in summer, the average temperature is 20, and in winter 7 degrees Celsius. Even in winter, the opportunity to meet a surfer is possible here. This is the rainiest region in the Kingdom of Spain, so be prepared for weather surprises.

How to get and move on the spot

Why go

The Basque Country is a mountainous region that invites tourists to various routes along the mountains and the coast. Here you can see a special culture and hear a unique language, visit unusual museums, as well as taste the best cuisine in the kingdom.

When to go

We advise you to go to the Basque Country from May to June, when there is excellent warm weather with the least rainfall in this rather rainy region. In July, you can get to the international jazz festival in San Sebastian.

Cultural features

The Basque language is considered one of the oldest in Europe, while it has no similarities with any of the European languages. Some even believe that the Basques have a connection with the Georgians, since there are about 200 similar roots in their language.

Due to isolation, in the Basque Country there still exist outlandish folk traditions and traditions that are carefully transmitted by word of mouth by the bards. The main musical instruments are tambourine and a kind of accordion called tricity. A feature of Basque folk dances is a beautiful ejection of legs. Basque sports are also interesting - lifting heavy boulders or cutting logs.

The Basque culture center is the province of Gipuzkoa, where the Basque stone buildings (the village of Bera de Bidasoa) and folk traditions are preserved. Locals sing and dance, like centuries ago, and will gladly teach tourists this.

What to see

The Basque country attracts a lot of attention of tourists from all over the world, providing a huge variety of leisure activities: from sightseeing and architectural monuments to active sports and walks in nature parks.

We have collected the top 10 most-most places that you must see with your own eyes:

Cathedral of St. James in Bilbao  - one of the central structures in the city. As often happens, the modern building stands on the site of previous churches that were destroyed or demolished. Bilbao enters the pilgrimage path of St. James, so there are always many believers.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao  - one of the most unusual buildings not only in the city, but throughout Spain. The flow of tourists has increased significantly after the grand opening of this building to visit everyone.

New Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria  - decoration of the historical part of the city. This neo-Gothic building is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain. It was called new to distinguish it from the already existing "old."

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd in San Sebastian  - In addition to the beautiful decoration elements, visitors are attracted by a huge organ, which for a long time wore the honorary title of the largest organ in the country.

Miramar Palace in San Sebastian  - a chic English-style mansion located just a few meters from the amazing beach. This is a true example of luxury. It was built as the summer residence of the royal family, and many rooms retained the original design and furnishings. The remaining rooms were regularly rebuilt to meet the new requirements of the time.

Bay de la Concha in San Sebastian  - These are endless beaches along the sea in the shape of a shell. Next to the beach, long embankments are built here, turning one into the other.

- Not far from the famous Guggenheim Museum is another original building. This eclectic-style building is striking in its variety of forms. Initially, this palace was built for the personal needs of the financial tycoon Salazar, but since the mid-20th century the Government of the Basque Country has been sitting here.

  - since the beginning of the 21st century, this museum has been delighting its visitors with wonderful masterpieces by both Spanish contemporary authors and foreign ones. In addition to the exhibition halls, there is a large library, archive and a separate educational center for those who study art.

House del Cordon in Vitoria  - A unique building in the Gothic style, built by a wealthy merchant in the 15th century. Many famous people of Spain lived in it. Now it houses an information center dedicated to the culture and original forms of creativity of the Basque people.

Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian  - at the beginning of the 20th century, this iron bridge was opened, combining two shores. It is richly decorated with huge obelisks and gilded sculptures, many of which resemble the famous Parisian bridge of Alexander III.

The main places and cities of attractions

The main attractions of Basque country:

1. In Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of the 14th centuries is interesting, where impressions complement the paintings of Rubens. And in the suburbs you can see the pearl of the Romanesque style of the 11th century Temple of the Virgin Mary de Estibalis;
2. Bilbao is famous for the Guggenheim Foundation Museum of Ultramodern Art and the glass bridge leading to it;
3. The city of Costa Basque is famous for its beautiful and somewhere even dramatic landscapes. Here you can also find traces of ancient settlements;
4. Between Portugalete and Las Arenas, you can experience special sensations on the Biscay "Flying Ferry Bridge". Its extraordinary flying gondolas run every 8 minutes;
5. Of the lesser-known places, one can name the salt mines of Salinas de Anyana, where developments are still taking place according to ancient Roman technologies;
6. Not far from San Sebastian in Mundac, there is a bird sanctuary where millions of migratory birds find shelter.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

The capital of Basque Country has the double Spanish-Basque name Vitoria-Gasteiz. It was founded in 1181 on the site of the village of Gasteiz by the efforts of the monarch Sancho IV the Wise, who surrounded the village with a fortress wall.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is bordered on all sides by natural parks and leads in the number of museums - weapons, maps, archeology, natural sciences, modern arts, etc. The atmosphere of a medieval city - the fortress wall and majestic Gothic temples is everywhere.

Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest Basque city, as well as its industrial center and port of national importance. The symbol of the city is the Solomon Guggenheim Foundation Museum of Modern Art. This museum is visited annually by about 1.5 million people. The 55-meter building is in itself a masterpiece of modern art - to some it resembles a huge flower, a miracle bird or a spaceship of the future. The glass bridge over the Nervion River, which leads to the Museum, is also noteworthy.

What to do in the Basque Country

In the Basque Country it is difficult to get bored even for experienced tourists who are difficult to surprise. Here, and sport, and art, and unusual buildings and monuments. It’s hard to resist such a variety.

We have collected the top 20 things to do during a trip around this region:

1. Go to Bilbao Cathedral and become part of the great pilgrimage path of many believers.
2. Walk through the halls of the Museum of Modern Art in Vitoria - at first your eyes run up from such a variety of forms, combinations of lights and colors.
3. Look into the House del Cordon in Vitoria, built more than 500 years ago - a strict Gothic building with amazing interiors inside. This is an incomparable feeling of involvement in the great events of the past that occurred with the people who lived in this house.
4. Take a selfie on the Maria Cristina Bridge in San Sebastian - there are gorgeous views of the river and banks around.
5. Swim on the beach of the Gulf of de la Concha in San Sebastian - there is almost always calm clear water without excitement.
6. Take a boat ride to the island of Santa Clara in San Sebastian - if you catch it at high tide, you can even swim there.
7. Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao - an amazing building in a modern style that attracts the attention of all tourists in the Basque Country.
8. Feel like a representative of the royal blood, strolling through the huge halls of the Miramar Palace, which served as the summer royal residence of the Spanish dynasty.
9. Lost among the huge New Cathedral of the Immaculate Virgin in Vitoria - you feel like a grain of sand in a vast universe.
10. Take a walk on Mount Urgul in San Sebastian with a view of all the surroundings. For the most persistent, they will get a visit to the castle at the top as a reward for their labors.
11. Inspired by the paintings of Rubens on the walls of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in the capital Vitoria-Gasteiz.
12. Visit one of the best and oldest pastry shops in Spain, opened in 1886 by Manuel Goya (in the capital Vitoria-Gasteiz).
13. Lie down on the charming beaches of charming San Sebastian.
14. Taste the best pinchos and Basque tapas in the coastal pinchos bars of San Sebastian.
15. Taste chaholi wines in Costa Basque, which are not found anywhere else - neither in Spain nor in Europe.
16. Go through the mysterious mazes and feel like an ant in front of a huge spider in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
17. Climb Mount Gorbea or visit the outlandish stalactite caves of Posalagua.
18. Take a ride on the gondola of the extraordinary Biscay "Flying Bridge".
19. Go to the province of Gipuzkoa and learn crazy Basque dances.
20. Take a look at the colorful town of Ondarribia right on the border with France.

Shopping (What and where to buy)

The Basque Country is a colorful and quite distinctive region, where there are souvenirs unlike gifts from other Spanish provinces. We have collected the 5 best souvenirs from the Basque Country:
  1. Chapela - the original black beret worn by many men.
  2. Ikurinha - the Basque flag. It is sold almost everywhere.
  3. Lauburu - a cross formed by four commas. This symbol did not originate here, but it is surprising that it was widely spread here. With this symbol, you can purchase everything from a plate on the wall to jewelry.
  4. Chakoli - a delicious local wine that is served in all cafes and restaurants. Sin is not to bring with you as a souvenir.
  5. Idiasabal - fat smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Where to live

The Basque Country welcomes guests and tourists from all over the world with great hospitality, as you can see for yourself by checking into any of the hotels in the region.

We selected the top 5 hotels by experienced traveler reviews:

1. NH Bilbao Deusto (Francisco Macia, 9 | Deusto, 48014 Bilbao) - convenient location, within walking distance to most attractions in the historic city. Polite staff and a high level of service.
  2. Sercotel Hotel Gran Bilbao (Avenida Indalecio Prieto, 1, 48004 Bilbao) is an excellent hotel with large rooms equipped with everything necessary for a quality stay.
  3. Sercotel Coliseo (Alameda De Urquijo 13, 48008 Bilbao) - spacious room, excellent soundproofing, not far from the city center.
  4. NH Canciller Ayala Vitoria (Ramon y Cajal, 5 | City Center, 01007 Vitoria-Gasteiz) - a five-minute walk from the main tourist spots, a park is located nearby. Friendly staff and comfortable rooms.
  5. Sercotel Boulevard Vitoria (Calle Zaramaga, 3, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz) - the rooms are always clean and tidy, the bathroom has all the bath amenities. Nearby is a large supermarket.

Plan of tours, tours for 1-3-7 days

The Basque country is becoming more and more popular with tourists every year: infrastructure is being developed, new restaurants and cafes are being opened, hotels are being hosted by the guests, and the authorities are coming up with various entertainments to attract interest in this region. We tried to embrace the immense and collected a week-long trip to the Basque Country:

What and where is

Basque cuisine is very diverse: it has many fish and seafood dishes due to its seaside location, and at the same time, locals know how and love to cook meat and vegetables.

We have collected 5 of the most original traditional Basque dishes:
1. “Chuleton de Vaca” - beef steak with bone. You can choose any level of frying, but in any case it will be unsurpassed in taste.
  2. Fish baked in the oven is a special delicacy and treating dear guests to a holiday or family celebration.
  3. Dried cod - local chefs demonstrate amazing features of cooking dishes from this special ingredient. The taste is specific, but therefore unforgettable.
  4. Idiazabal cheese (Idiazabal) - a rather fatty sheep’s cheese. It is stored for a long time, so you can safely take it with you as a gastronomic souvenir.
  5. Marmita de bonito (Marmita de bonito) - a fish dish of tuna, potatoes, onions, tomato and pepper. In the Basque Country even arrange contests for the preparation of this treat.

Kitchen

In Basque country you will be deliciously fed wherever you go - with seafood and meat. According to one of the ratings of San Pelegrino, two of the ten best restaurants in the world are located in the Basque Country - these are Mugaritz and Arzak, and San Sebastian is the world leader in Michelin stars (four restaurants).

Basque cuisine is characterized by minimal use of hot spices, and the whole emphasis on the taste of the products themselves. The most popular dishes are marmitaco (tuna chowder) and an amazing cream goshua dessert.

There are also wines in Basque country - these are slightly sparkling Chakoli wines (Txakoli).

Best excursions by reviews

Sometimes, to understand the region, it is not enough to walk around everywhere independently with a guide in hand. Professional guides know special places hidden from tourists, tell informative stories and breathtaking legends.

We have collected 5 of the most popular excursions in the Basque Country:
  1. The riddles of the Basque forest - thicket, medieval castles, cliffs, small fishing villages, in which time seems to have stopped forever. Participants will be able to experience the strength and power of this region, which is not in vain called the Country.
  2. A walk through the elegant San Sebastian - a marina for the most sophisticated layers of the Spanish aristocracy. Everything has been done and decorated to the highest level in order to please the choosy people.
  3. The cosmopolitan city of Bilbao is a bit messy and hectic, this city has an indescribable, but unique atmosphere. It can not be described in words, but can be felt in bars, galleries, museums, and even in the subway.
  4. Tour of Vitoria - a walk through the old streets, accompanied by a guide and his colorful stories.
  5. Boat trip along San Sebastian - this city has a unique location along a deep bay. An amazing view of the coast opens from the sea.

You can see the beauty of the city of Bilbao in this video:

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