Culture of Basque Country. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Donostia - San Sebastian There are a lot of places in the Basque country, which you should definitely visit. In Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum will obviously catch your attention. It may be called the Louvre in miniature – the museum has the richest collection of art objects from the past era. Don’t forget to take a picture with the Puppy, a 13 meters high dog statue, made from flowers, that stands near the museum. Take a walk along Casco Viejo – a seven hundred years old neighborhood. An archeological museum of Bilbao will tell many stories about this area, and the Museum of the Basques has an exposition, devoted to their distinctive culture.
When started talking about the culture of eating in the Basques Country, it is necessary to mention pinchos. Tapas, a type of appetizer, served with wine in all the bars and restaurants in … Open
The Basilica of Begona, devoted to Virgin Mary, attracts visitors by its antiquity and architecture, which combines elements of gothic and baroque. St. James Cathedral has not just been the main cathedral of Bilbao for seven centuries. It is one of the central points on Camino de Santiago, which thousands of pilgrims walk annually. If you want to see a modern architecture, take a look at the Subisuri Bridge. The Museum of fine arts in Bilbao is sometimes considered as a shadow of the famous Guggenheim, but it’s not like that. The expositions here are not less fascinating. And if you want to rest a little, after visiting the museum, there is a marvelous Donna Casilda Iturrizar park behind it.
In San-Sebastian, more known as an elite resort, there are things to see as well. For instance, the City Hall building, which is a great 19th-century architecture example. By the way, it was formerly a casino. Buen Pastor Cathedral, located in the central part of the city, was also built more than a century ago. During a walk in the Miramar Palace, you will get acquainted with the royal family lifestyle – this Spanish rulers’ summer residence is now open for tourists. The view from the Palace on the Shell Bay is unbelievably beautiful. You can also visit the residence of Franco Aiete in the same name neighborhood. Stop by the San-Telmo Museum – it has 11 beautiful ancient murals. Those, who love the sea, will be mesmerized by the Oceanography Museum. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
The Basque country has its name for a reason. This territory, which has been populated with a unique ethnic community since ancient times, still has its traditions and customs. By the way, … Open
When in Vitoria, don’t just pass by the Cathedral of Saint Mary. The construction of this magnificent building started in the 13th century, and its beauty is stunning. The Cathedral of Holy Mother of God is a contemporary place of worship, which construction had begun in the 20th century, and was completed only in 1973. The celebrating masses are held here, and once a year a Neapolitan Belen, a traditional Catholic Christmas composition, is shown to the public. The Belen consists of 58 perfectly detailed sculptures. Take a walk on St. Virgin Blanca Square. It is not only a traditional meeting spot for the locals, but also a truly historical site, created more than two centuries ago.
Bilbao de noche The fans of gothic architecture will appreciate Casa del Cordon, which was built in the 15th century and has never been restructured again. There is the Gaona Tower inside. That was the decision of a merchant Juan Sanchez Bilbao, who constructed it on the place of a 13th-century group of buildings. You should also visit Casa del Cordon, if you want to better understand the culture and morals of the Basques – there is a large exposition, devoted to the ethnic identity of the nation. The building is on Cuchilleria Street. The St. Martyr Vincent Church was also built in gothic style in the 15th century, on the former place of another small church. The Basques Museum of Contemporary Art will be appreciated by the admirers of this area.
You will find multiple leisure time activities for any taste in the Basque Country. There are a few fields for tennis fans, where you can rent the equipment and have an induction for the … Open
In a place, called Azpeitia, between Deba and Bilbao, there is a marvelous baroque building – Santuario San Ignacio. In Deba itself, your attention attracts the Church of Santa Maria. It’s not only because of the date it was built – it has been located here for more than five centuries, but also because of the unusual beauty of the portico. It is known, that earlier the figures on portico were usually painted, but the time and the weather had been destroying it pretty soon. But not this time – the portico of the Church of Santa Maria is still colorful.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Basque Country and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Basque Country and surroundings

Basque Country - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Basque Country
♥   Palace 'Palacio Real de Miramar' San Sebastián, 59.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Palace 'Palacio de Arbaizenea' , 60.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Basque Country
♥   Catedral de El Buen Pastor, San Sebastián, 61 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Asuncion, Castro Urdiales, 69.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Monasterio de San Millán de Suso, San Millán de la Cogolla, 75.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Monasterio de San Millán de Yuso, San Millán de la Cogolla, 76.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Unique spots in Basque Country and near

Guggenheim Museum

From the series “Top 16 Most Amazing Buildings of the Planet”
The author of the building project is the American architect Frank Gary, who has realized the unique project at the shortest deadlines. The museum was opened in 1997. According to the author's idea, imitating the huge building 'the ship of the future'. Some of his contemporaries compare his unusual form with the rosebud and even with the huge artichoke. The important component of the architectural complex is the enormous spinning sculpture, designed by Luisa Bourjois, on its territory. … Read further

Mundaka Beach

From the series “Top Beaches for Surfing on Huge Waves”
The period from June to October is considered the optimal time for sports recreation. The annual surf championship is held at Mundaka Beach in October. Another attractive feature of the beach is its easy accessibility. It is not difficult to get to it even from neighboring resorts. This picturesque beach is a popular attraction for big surf fans. Many famous athletes trained here during certain periods. Andy Irons, Bobby Martinez, Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, and Taj Burrow are among them. … Read further

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Basque Country

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