Visiting the Basque Country will allow you to enjoy a lot of things: its historical legacy, the world-renowned Basque cuisine, its beautiful architecture, etc. Although the whole of northern Spain turns green due to the abundant rains, a city that proudly bears the name of green city is Álava. Vitoria Gasteiz is the capital of Álava.
This is an ancient city founded in 1181 and which next year will be the European Green Capital, because it has a rural environment that is exceptionally attractive for nature lovers. The city is made up of old streets, which make up the old town . One of its main monuments is the Cathedral of Santa María, also known as the Old Cathedral. It is a 14th century Gothic monument that has paintings by Rubens and Van Dyck inside. It was the inspiration for Ken Follet in "The Pillars of the Earth."
But equally interesting are the New Cathedral , the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, that of San Vicente Mártir, that of San Miguel Arcángel and the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Estibaliz. You must visit the Medieval Wall, Casa del Cordón, Montehermoso Palace, Los Arquillos and the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca .
Do not miss the cultural city of Vitoria Gasteiz, visiting its Artium Museum , the Fournier de Naipes Museum and the Armory Museum. And as you visit the city, take advantage of the tourist walk called the Green Belt to learn about why Vitoria Gasteiz has deserved the name of European Green Capital 2012 . Enjoy the Alava nightlife on Calle Gorbea or Calle San Prudencio, with music, pintxos and fun in general.