Pais
Vasco or The Basque Country on Spain's
northern coast is where the green hills meet the Atlantic beaches.
It borders France in the east and Cantabria in the west. The
cliffs along this stretch of coast are broken by rocky coves,
rias, and wide bays with sandy beaches interspersed with fishing
villages. Inland, winding lanes pass through woods, hills, valleys
and gorges, passing castles and isolated farmhouses. The Basque
Country is an important industrial region. The Basques are great
deep-sea fishermen and fish play an important part in their cuisine,
thought by many to be the best in Spain. The Basque language
"Euskera" is widely used on signs and most towns have
two names. Bilbao is the largest Basque city and Spain's leading
commercial port; it also has an international airport. San Sebastian
is the most elegant and fashionable Spanish seaside resort.
Vitoria-Gasteiz is located in the
centre of the Basque region, around 30 miles south of Bilbao.
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Vitoria-Gasteiz is the seat of the
Basque government and capital of the Alava province. It has always
enjoyed a strategic position on the province's highest point
and the city has always been known as an important trading centre,
it grew rich on the iron and wool trades. It is a city of magnificent
monuments. There is much to see in the old town, especially around
the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca. There are several Renaissence
palaces and two cathedrals, the enchanting El Portalon, a 15th
century merchant's house, and 4 interesting museums. |