Plaza De España In Vitoria: Discover The Heart Of The City

Are you planning to travel to the Basque Country? If your next destination is this community, we recommend that you visit its capital. And, once there, you cannot miss the Plaza de España in Vitoria, a beautiful monumental complex. Make sure it appears on your tourist itinerary!

A little history of the Plaza de España in Vitoria

Also known as Plaza Nueva, it was designed by the Vitorian architect Justo Antonio de Olaguíbel. Construction began at the end of the 18th century, in the year 1781, and ended in 1791.

It was designed as a link between the medieval center of the city and what would be the expansion. Furthermore, this neoclassical square was a starting point for the subsequent expansion of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The square has had more than 8 different names

Although today it is known as Plaza de España or Plaza Nueva,  it has been continuously renamed. In the year of its construction, 1791, it was baptized as Plaza Nueva. The intention at all times had been to put Plaza Mayor in it. But, as the citizens of Vitoria referred to it as Plaza Nueva, that’s how it stayed.

Three decades later, in 1820, it was renamed Plaza de la Constitución. This name was kept for more than a century. In 1927, it was also known as Plaza de Alfonso XIII. Shortly after, in 1931, it was called the Plaza de la República and five years later, in 1936, it was given the name of Plaza de España for the first time.

It is said that  at some point they have popularly referred to it as the Plaza del Borrón, since with so much change of name the poster that announced it could not be read well. The names that have remained until today, as we said, are Plaza Nueva and Plaza de España.

Where to find and how to get there

Vitoria’s Plaza de España is located between Olaguíbel, Postas and Virgen Blanca streets. It is a place well known by any inhabitant of the city, both for its central location and for the atmosphere it has. It is a place with a lot of life.

It can be reached using the different means of public transport available in the city:

• Bus: lines L5 (green), L6 (purple) and L7 (brown): Prado.
• Tram: Parliament.
• Taxi: Cathedral stop.

What to do around the Plaza de España in Vitoria

In the Plaza de España in Vitoria you will find both the town hall and the tourist office of the city. There you can receive information about the area and recommendations of what to see and what to do.

However, in case you don’t have time to stop by, here are several places that are worth visiting and places to eat.

Every Sunday, don’t forget to go to the market

This square usually hosts various shows and events. One of the best known events is the collectors market that takes place every Sunday. Every weekend old objects, books, toys, utensils of different kinds, etc. are sold.

If you plan to spend the weekend in Vitoria, don’t forget to visit this peculiar market; maybe you will find a little treasure.

Come eat some pintxos

The Aldama bar is located right in the center of Vitoria, on Posta street number 20. Right next to the town hall, that is, less than a minute. We recommend stopping by first thing in the morning to try the pintxos at this cozy and informal bar. After a morning of sightseeing, there is nothing better than relaxing and recharging.

For its part,  the Toloño bar is famous as a signature pintxo bar, which also offers drinks and DJ sessions at night.  It is located on the San Francisco slope number 3, just 100 meters from the Town Hall.

These have been some simple indications that can help you if you plan to visit Vitoria-Gasteiz, a city with a lot of history and a lot of art. Plaza de España is one of the charming places that you will discover on your visit,  but there is much more to see. Do not miss it!