In the northeast of Spain lies the autonomous region of the Basque Country, which covers an area of 7,234 square kilometers. km. The original land has other names - Basconia, Euskadi (in the Basque language). Do not confuse this part of the kingdom with the historic region of the same name, including the lands of Spain and France. The "local" Basque country borders Cantabria, Castile and León in the west, in the east the neighbors of the autonomy are Navarre and France, in the south - Rioja, and the north is washed by the waters of the Bay of Biscay.
A small area is divided into 251 municipality and three provinces: Vizcaya, Alava, Gipuzkoa. Most of the population is concentrated in Biscay. The inhabitants of the Basque Country speak Basque and Spanish. The colorful Basque language is strikingly different from the Castilian language, the official Spanish dialect. Its roots date back to the pre-Roman era, the Basque dialect is not similar to any of the European languages
Capital - Vitoria
The largest cities - Bilbao, San Sebastian
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How to get there
In the Basque Country, the main seaport is in Bilbao, the passenger seaport is in Gipuzkoa. The main airports of the autonomy are located near each other. We are talking about Luhua in Bilbao, Foronda in Vitoria and Fuetherrabia in San Sebastian. The region has a developed road network, along the main motorways and highways can be reached anywhere in the country. The three largest cities of Baskonia in the near future will be joined by a railway line in the form of Y, which will run high-speed trains.
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Climate
Baskonia is characterized by a pronounced heterogeneity in the nature of the area. Most of the region is occupied by the mountains - Basque, Cantabria Range, Pyrenean Spurs. Only closer to the coast of the bay, steep hills are replaced by wonderful valleys. In the region there are four climatic zones, starting from the north it is the Atlantic, sub-Atlantic, Mediterranean and continental in the southern part. The summer in the Basque Country is not characterized by exhausting heat, and winters are warm enough.
Entertainment, sightseeing and attractions
Autonomy, which is famous for one of the most industrial areas of the kingdom, has preserved many protected corners . Fantastic landscapes will appear before the guests of the Country Basque along the banks of the Guernica River, in national parks, which here are not considered to be . The area is best suited for hiking, walking along the coast and mountain routes . Traveler's attention deserves a picturesque rocky protection near San Sebastian . Visit Salinasde-Anyanya, salt mines are being developed using the same technologies as in the Roman era when they were opened .Take time to visit the Vizcaya "Flying" bridge between Las Arenas and Portugalete, this unique structure in 1893 functions as a transporter . Gondolas that accommodate dozens of passengers are sent every 8 minutes .
The freedom-loving Basques were able to preserve their own traditions, so the region regularly holds folk festivals. In Bilbao this is the August competition for the best shepherd dog. In the medieval town of Tolosa, traditional carnivals are held
The Basque culture center is the province of Gipuzkoa. In the smallest Spanish region, stone buildings of the 16th-19th centuries (the village of Bera de Bidasoa) are preserved, Segura is famous for its ancient mansions. You can take dance lessons from local people, a special treasure of the Basques is represented by song rites
Vitoria
The capital of the Basque Country is the center of the province of Alava . This unusually clean and cozy city has a double name - Vitoria -Gusteets, combining both the Spanish and 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 in Vitoria street names . And, of course, the architectural structure For example, the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria in the 14th century, in which the paintings of Rubens . are kept. The Church of San Pedro the Apostle became the burial place of many famous personalities . The Nuestra Senora de Estibaliz temple in the Romanesque style, erected in the 11th century, is located in the suburb of Vitoria .
Vitoria-Gasteiz, surrounded by a "green ring" from the chain of parks, has many museums - natural sciences, weapons of Alava, archeology, sacred art, modern, fine arts and even playing cards. The buildings in which these museums are located are also of interest. By the way, an extensive exhibition dedicated to playing cards appeared in the capital of Basconia not by chance. It is in this city that the production of such products is set in.
Bilbao
The largest city in the Basque Country was founded in the 14th century. It is a major Spanish port and industrial center of Baskonia. One of the symbols of Bilbao is the Museum of Modern Art of the Guggenheim Foundation. Every year, about one and a half million people come to admire the works exhibited in it. In a unique structure 55 meters high, many see a giant flower, someone seems to the building to be an interplanetary ship or a bizarre bird. The museum is led by a glass bridge stretching over the waterway of the city - the Nervion River.
The ultra-modern metropolis contains many historical monuments. It is characterized by an oceanic climate due to the action of the Cantabrian Sea. In Bilbao, a lot of rain falls, so, going on an excursion, be prepared for the surprises of the weather. Look at St. Giac's Cathedral in Gothic style, the church of San Nicolás de Bari and another legendary bridge - Subi-Sui.
Photo of the Basque Country (26)