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SOME INFORMATION (IN ENGLISH) ABOUT VITORIA - GASTEIZ:
Tourist
Vitoria-accommodation-tourist-information.pdf
Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spanish: Vitoria, Basque: Gasteiz, known officially as Vitoria-Gasteiz in both languages), is a municipality and the capital city of the province of Álava and of the Basque Country Spanish autonomous region, though it is the second city of the region by population (its population was 224,965 in 2004).
Vitoria was founded in 1181 by the King of Navarre, Sancho VI the Wise as 'Nueva Victoria' on the hill where the old settlement of Gasteiz had been. He built fortifications around the town. In 1200, Vitoria was passed to the Kingdom of Castile, taken by the troops of Alfonso VIII. The city was progressively enlarged and in 1431 was granted the title of 'City' by King Juan II of Castile.
The principal episode in the later history of Vitoria is the Battle of Vitoria of the Peninsular War on 21 June 1813. The French troops were comprehensively beaten by the Duke of Wellington and French control of Spain was ended. There is a monument commemorating this battle in the main square of the city, known as the Monument to Independence - Monumento a la Independencia.
The old part of the city (la parte vieja), which lies on an elevation, is very well conserved and contains a number of remarkable monuments: Casa del Cordon (a house from the XV century), the gothic cathedral of Sta. Maria (XIV century), the Museum of Archaeology (XVI century) and the Torre de Doña Otxanda (a tower holding the Museum of Natural Sciences). The extension (el ensanche) was built south of the old city centre during the XIX century and contains the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca (a square where the Fiestas de la Blanca start) with the church of San Miguel, Los Arquillos (an Arcade (architecture)), and the Plaza Nueva (or de España, a square that holds every Sunday morning a street market). Further south, the Paseo de Fray Francisco is a wide street sided by mansions, many of which have been recently adapted for public use: El Palacio de Ajuria Enea (the residence of the Lehendakari), the Museum of Arts, Museo de la Armeria (weapons) and Museo Fournier de Naipes (playing cards).
The economy of Vitoria is diverse, and many manufacturing companies have operations here, including Mercedes Benz and Heraclio Fournier the latter which is headquartered here. The city has been ranked second in standard of living among all cities in Spain, and first as to green areas and cultural places per capita.
Vitoria hosts three annual International music festivals: A Jazz Festival every 10th to the 16th of July; Las Fiestas de la Blanca celebrated from the 4th of August to the 9th; and the Azkena Rock Festival in late August and early September.
Few places have two names like Vitoria-Gasteiz. The name
“Nueva Victoria” was given to the city by King Sancho VI of Navarre,
who founded Vitoria in 1181. At that time it was a walled
defensive outpost belonging to the kingdom of Navarre. The name
“Gasteiz” comes from a hamlet that used to stand on the hill around
which our city is built.
Historically, Victoria has always
enjoyed a strategic position because it is situated on the shortest
route between the tablelands of Castile and Northern Europe.
Throughout its history, the city has always been known as an
important trading centre. Historians record that there were three
markets held every week in the 13th century and after 1399, there were
two annual fairs attended by numerous visitors.
Another
important historical feature of the city is its individual privileges,
which declared all its inhabitants to be equal, without distinction
between nobles and the masses.
Here are the few key dates for the city: |
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1181: |
Vitoria was founded by Sancho VI of Navarre. |
|---|---|
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1199: |
Alfonso VIII laid siege to Vitoria in the absence of Sancho VII El Fuerte. |
|
1200: |
The city capitulated and gave up its role as a defensive outpost. It became part of the kingdom of Castile. |
|
1431: |
Juan II granted Vitoria city status. |
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1483: |
The local bylaws that governed Vitoria for almost 300 years were passed. Queen Isabel of Castile swore to respect Vitoria's special privileges before the gates of the city. |
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1492: |
Expulsion of the Jews from the city, handing control of their cemetery in Judizmendi to the town council. |
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1522: |
Adriano de Utrecht was made Pope. He received the news in the Casa del Cordón in Vitoria. |
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1722: |
Bartolomé Riego brought the first printing press to Vitoria. |
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1765: |
The Real Sociedad Bascongada de los Amigos del País, promoted by the Count of Peñaflorida, was created. |
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1781: |
Under the direction of Justo Antonio de Olaguibel work began on the construction of the Plaza Nueva. |
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1813: |
The armies of Napoleon were defeated at the Battle of Vitoria. Beethoven composed a piece for orchestra commemorating this event. |
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1905: |
The Liga Foral was created for the defence of the province's special economic agreements. |
|
1980: |
Vitoria-Gasteiz was chosen to be capital of the Basque Country by the Basque Parliament. |
Guided Visits.
We propose to you three guided visits so you can get to know the city better:
From the Tourist Office.
The Tourist Office of
Vitoria-Gasteiz organises a wide range of theme tours through the
Medieval Culture and the Four Towers, as well as other guided visits of
different kinds. There is also a guided visits service to the churches
of San Miguel and San Pedro, the tower of San Vicente, the Palacio de
Villasuso, the Palacio de Montehermoso and the Lanterns Museum.
You can obtain information by calling the free citizens information service 010 (if you are in this city) or by calling the Tourist Office: 945 16 15 98.
To the very heart of the Cathedral of Santa María.
“Open for restoration work” is
the singular slogan of the guided visits to the restoration work on the
Cathedral of Santa María. Visitors to the church are obliged to wear a
protective helmet. This is an exceptional visit, which, with strict
safety measures, allows visitors to gain first-hand knowledge of the
restoration work. The quality of the Visitor Programme has obtained
recognition in the form of the Tourism Prize (2000) granted by the
Basque Government.
Visits can be arranged directly via the web site http://www.catedralvitoria.comby
choosing one of the days available on the calendar and indicating the
number of persons and the language in which visitors wish to receive
the explanations.
The visitor permits may also be requested by telephone, at 945 25 51 35or by sending an e-mail to: visitas@catedralvitoria.com
You must be at the Visitor Reception Centre (on the Plaza de la Burullería) 10 minutes before the time set for the visit to begin.
By tourist train.
A ride on the 'Gasteiztxo'
is a good way of seeing the design and urban layout of Vitoria-Gasteiz.
The train leaves the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and follows a route that
takes about 40 minutes.
The train operates every day, but you
should consult the departure times in the Tourist Office because this
varies according to the time of year.
Vitoria-Gasteiz offers you all kinds of accommodation:
You can choose between
staying at the best hotels (between 1 to 5 stars), at the National
Parador (a short distance from the city) or at a campsite, which can
take up to 250 people. You can also stay at any of several charming
rural guesthouses and hotels that can be found just a few kilometres
from Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Routes to allow you to get to know this city better.
We propose eight routes designed to let you enjoy the medieval quarter of the city:
Gothic art and architecture in the medieval quarter.
The medieval quarter of VG is
exemplary as it preserves many vestiges of its medieval past. The
permanence of the Gothic style in a large number of buildings was one
of the basic reasons why the medieval quarter was declared a National
Monument in 1997.
You can print this walk here
The mansions of the Renaissance.
The historical quarter of the
city has four outstanding examples of Renaissance palatial architecture
(Montehermoso, Villasuso, Escoriaza-Esquibel and Bendaña).
You can print this walk here
A visit to the Baroque quarter of Vitoria.
The city has a number of important buildings and Baroque sculptures and paintings.
You can print this walk here
The four towers.
We propose that you visit the
four Monument-churches of VG, combining history, art and the
spectacular panoramic views you can get from them.
You can print this walk here
The museum route.
This route allows you to explore the large number of museums in the city.
You can print this walk here
Guilds, chapels and convents.
With this route we intend to
show you the mainly religious buildings, both churches, convents and
chapels, situated in the historical quarter of the city.
You can print this walk here
Famous women in history.
A different way of exploring the
historical centre of the city is to do it in the company of the
craftswomen, nobles and workers who lived in its streets.
the route for this walk could be obtained here
The altarpiece route.
This walk will allow you to
appreciate the artistic quality and formal evolution of these
altarpieces during the Renaissance and Baroque.
You can print this walk here
How to get here >> by Bus
Today, Vitoria-Gasteiz
boasts major communications and road, rail and air transport
infrastructures, with fast connections with the rest of Spain and
Europe.
All buses arrive at the bus station located in Calle Los Herrán. Its exact address and telephone are as follows:
C) Los Herrán, 50
945 25 84 00
The following bus companies operate in the city:
- Bilman Bus
- Continental Auto
- Eurobus
- Alegría Hnos.
- Grupo Alsa-Enatcar
- Grupo Arriaga
- La Burundés SA
- La Unión
- Pesa
- Socitransa
- Vivaza
How to get here >> by Train
Today,
Vitoria-Gasteiz boasts major communications and road, rail and air
transport infrastructures, with fast connections with the rest of Spain
and Europe.
If you opt to come by train, the general information and reservations telephone of RENFE (Spanish National Railways) is 902 24 02 02
The address of the train station is:
C) Eduardo Dato, 46
How to get here >> by Car
If you come here by car or motorbike you can plan your trip by visiting Guia Michelin.
Information on traffic and road conditions is available at Estado de Carreteras. You can also call 945 28 20 00.
How to get here >> Por Avión
Today, Vitoria-Gasteiz
boasts major communications and road, rail and air transport
infrastructures, with fast connections with the rest of Spain and
Europe.
Foronda:
Vitoria-Gasteiz airport (VIT) is
located 9 km from the city. It has a free, unguarded vehicle car park
and a bus park. Once inside the airport you can travel to the city by
bus or taxi. The telephone of the Radio Taxi service is 945 27 35 00.
For flight information, call: 945 16 35 91 or visit their web site: http://www.via-vitoria-airport.com
Cheap flights to Vitoria: Ryanair : London - Vitoria
Loiu (Bilbao):
If you arrive at Bilbao airport
you can take the urban bus service (Bizkaibus) that takes you to the
central Bus Station, and from there the journey to Vitoria-Gasteiz
takes less than one hour.
Flight information is available by calling: 905 505 505.
The Basque Country
The Basque Country spreads over both sides of the Pyrenees, along the coast of
the Bay of Biscay. Historically it was divided into seven provinces, three in the north
side of the Pyrenees and four in the south. While the three northern provinces
(Lapurdi, Nafarroa Behera and Zuberoa) belong to France and administratively to the
region of Aquitaine, the southern ones belonging to the Spanish territory (Bizkaia,
Gipuzkoa, Araba and Nafarroa), are further divided to form two autonomous communities:
that of the Basque Country, also called “Euskadi”, grouping Bizkaia,
Gipuzkoa and Araba, and that of “Navarra” formed solely by the province of
Nafarroa. (*Names of provinces are given in Basque language)
The autonomous community of the Basque Country (Euskadi) was the first autonomous
community to be formed in Spain in 1979. Euskadi has an area of approx
7.261 square kilometres, 145 Km from East to West and 71 from North to South.
With a population of 2.200.000, the Basque Country is one the smallest autonomous
communities of Spain. Isolated by the mountainous terrain, Basques maintained
their linguistic and cultural uniqueness over the ages.
The present system of government of the autonomous community of
the Basque Country, that has its own Parliament, issues from the Statute
of Autonomy, approved by the Spanish referendum of October 25th
1979. The Basque Government has the responsibility of the following
areas, among others: Education and Culture, Agriculture,
Health, Industry, Income Revenue, Telecommunications and
Technological research.
The Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU) is the
public university of the autonomous community of the Basque Country. The UPV/EHU
is an autonomous institution financially supported by the Basque Government.
Founded in 1968 as “Universidad de Bilbao” it was reorganized under the present
name in 1980. This meant the incorporation of Higher Education Colleges and
Schools of the Araba and Gipuzkoa provinces.
The UPV/EHU is the university of a bilingual society. Its language has throughout
its history identified the Basque Country: EUSKARA, the only pre-indo-European language
still alive in Europe. Teaching at the university is essentially performed in
Spanish at undergraduate level. However, most of the Faculties and Colleges offer, in
addition, substantial teaching in Basque. Undergraduate course work, project work,
and some full post-graduate programmes are also available in English or French.
The university has 3 campuses, named after the province in which they are located:
• Campus of ARABA (Alava), capital city: Vitoria-Gasteiz.
• Campus of BIZKAIA (Vizcaya), capital city: Bilbao
• Campus of GIPUZKOA (Guipúzcoa), capital city: Donostia /San Sebastián.
Some figures: approx. 60.000 graduate students, 4.000 post-graduate students,
3.600 teaching staff and 1000 administrative staff.
3.1. Languages
The Basque Country has two official languages: Basque (Euskara) and Spanish
(Español/Castellano). All citizens of the autonomous community speak Spanish.
Euskara, the original language of the Basques is spoken by between 25 to 30% of the
population, although the situation is different for each province, being Gipuzkoa the
one with a highest percentage. Signs on motorways, airports, government offices
and other official places are given in both languages. Some usual terms in Euskara are:
3.2. Religion
Traditionally Spain is a Catholic country and although there is freedom of worship
since the Constitution of 1978, the Catholic Church has a special status.
3.3. Climate
The climate is mild and humid in the coast around Bilbao or San Sebastián and
continental in the centre around Vitoria. Temperatures are mild all year round, with
frequent rains in spring and autumn. Average temperature in the coast is approx.
10ºC in winter and 22ºC in summer. This climate gives very green mountains, combined
with small valleys and small beaches
3.4. Food
Food is an important part of the culture of the Basque Country and cooking a
usual conversation subject and a good excuse for meeting and celebrating.
Gastronomic associations are very spread all over the country and cooking is a very
respected profession. Breakfast and dinner are normally lighter meals, while lunch or
the meal served in the middle of the day is a more important one. Although this is the
traditional way of eating, habits are changing very rapidly to adapt to new ways of
live. Fish is the cornerstone of Basque Cuisine, since the Basques have fished for centuries
all over the world. Meal times are normally as follows: breakfast from 8.00 to
10.00, lunch from 13.00 to 15.30 and dinner from 21.00 to 23.00.
N.B. The three Campuses of the University have bar, cafeteria and restaurant
facilities.
3.5.Health and Insurance
The Spanish Health System covers students from the European Union holding an
E-111 document (issued by the Health Authorities of their own countries), according
to the agreements passed within the EU (dentist expenses are not included in the
Spanish Health System). Besides the possession of the E-111 or E-128 students are
strongly recommended to submit a private Insurance covering eventualities in connection
with travelling, stolen goods or third party liability. Students from countries
outside the E.U. must absolutely hold a medical insurance.
3.6. Passport
Students are recommended to travel with a passport. Other documents to establish
identity are valid as well, but passports are excellent identification and travelling
documents. Students from countries outside the European Union require a valid passport
and a visa. Advice can be obtained from Spanish Consulates in home country.
3.7. Currency
From the 1st of January 2002 the currency used in Spain is the EURO. The Peseta
will no longer be in use after February 2002.
3.8. Opening Hours
Banks open always from 8.30 to 14.00 on weekdays and several afternoons each
week.
Students are strongly recommended to open an account upon arrival. A current
or a savings account allows for immediate access to your deposit.
N.B. There are banking facilities on each Campus of the University.
Shops: small and traditional shops open normally from 9/10 to 13.30 and from
16.00 to 19.30. Saturday afternoon is also open most of the year. Bigger shops open
normally from 10.00 to 20.00.
Offices open normally for business from 9.00 to 14.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00;
official institutions, however, open to the public only from 9.00 to 14.00. Some open
also from 15.00 to 17.00 on weekdays.
Post Offices open normally from 8.00 or 9.00 to 14.00. Many offices open all day
long until 20.30 hrs.
3.11. Guide to Accommodation
Before you sign an accommodation agreement or contract, please take into consideration
the following points:
1. NEVER SIGN anything with which you do not agree or do not understand. Get it
checked first.
2. Ask all the QUESTIONS you must BEFORE accepting a tenancy agreement.
3. Make sure that your accommodation priorities are covered before you sign anything.
4. If you cannot accept the terms and conditions of a tenancy agreement DON’T SIGN
TO MOVE IN!
5. If accommodation problems arise, don’t carry on regardless. TALK to your landlord,
agent or Accommodation Office about it. Some of the problems may arise due to
basic lack of communication between the parts.
6. Do make sure that you will be able to FULFIL THE CONTRACT once you have signed
it.
7. Do ask for advice from the Accommodation Office.
8. Before asking for accommodation, decide WHO to live with, whether you prefer to
live at a Hall of Residence, a shared flat or with a family.
9. Be careful in choosing the AREA to live in. Choose areas close to your Faculty or
College to minimize the transportation time and costs.
10. Make your accommodation BUDGET taking into consideration that, besides the
Rent, you may also have to consider expenses in electricity, gas, etc.
N.B.See also under “Accommodation” in the Campus Information
INFORMATION TAKEN FROM THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK:
ERASMUS-BASQUECOUNTRY-BILBAO-SANSEBASTIAN-VITORIA-PAMPLONA-ACCOMODATION.pdf
Historical Background
The University of the Basque Country/ Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
(UPV/EHU) is the public University of the Autonomous Community of the
Basque Country. The UPV/EHU is an autonomous institution supported
financially by the Basque Government. Founded in 1968 as the
Universidad de Bilbao, the UPV/EHU was reorganised under its present
name in 1980, incorporating the centres of higher education in the
provinces of Alava and Gipuzkoa.
The UPV/EHU is an University that serves a bilingual society. The
Basque Country has, throughout its history, been identified by its
language, Euskara (Basque), the only pre-Indo-European language still
alive in Europe today. Although most courses at the University are
offered in Spanish, many Faculties and Colleges also offer courses in
Euskara.
The UPV/EHU has three campuses, each named after the Basque province in
which it is located. The concept of a campus includes the group of
centres located in each province, but not necessarily in the same town:
* Campus of Alava: Capital Vitoria/Gasteiz
* Campus of Bizkaia: Capital Bilbao/Bilbo
* Campus of Gipuzkoa: Capital San Sebastián/Donostia
56.913 students are currently enrolled in the UPV/EHU (1st and 2nd
cycle) and 4.000 postgraduate students. There are 3.567 teaching staff
and 961 administrative staff.
Academic life is centred in the Faculties, specialised Institutes and University Colleges.
During the 2000-2001 academic year, 69 Postgraduate Degree programmes were taught, in addition to 30 Ph.D. programmes.
Research is one of the cornerstones of the UPV/EHU. During the last few
years its importance has been reflected in the huge increase in
economic and human resources devoted to research. The main sources of
funding for the research projects carried out by the various
Departments and Institutes of the UPV/EHU include the Spanish Ministry
of Education, the Basque Government, the European Union, the University
budget and commercial and industrial contracts.
The Vice-Rectorate for Research and International Relations coordinates
and controls research programmes carried out both in and outside the
University through the Research Support Section.
University-Enterprise relations within the field of R&D are
established through the Innovation Transference Office (OTRI). This
office also manages R&D projects included in the EU Framework
Programme. This office depends on the Vice-Rectorate for University
Enterprise Relations. This Vice-Rectorate manages agreements and has
closed contacts with the enterprises.
The UPV/EHU has its own Publications Department with more than 1.000
texts in Spanish, Basque and English and 32 journals.
(http://www.lg.ehu.es/servicios/se_az).
The UPV/EHU is firmly committed to broadening its European and
International dimension. In recent years, the University has developed
an important number of student exchange programmes. The UPV/EHU is an
active participant in the SOCRATES Programme. New projects are being
developed with countries beyond Europe as well. The University has a
special relationship with several Latin American universities which
participate in the Inter-university Cooperation and ALFA Programmes.
The International Relations Office deals with all matters concerning
the establishment and strengthening of relations with universities,
institutions and associations all around the world. For more
information please contact the International Relations Office (See
address above.)
The University tries to combine its commitments to both international
and local communities. The UPV/EHU and Eusko Ikaskuntza/Sociedad de
Estudios Vascos (Society of Basque Studies) are currently carrying out
a joint programme of Basque Studies and Promotion of Scientific
Culture, JAKITEZ.
Bilbao - Study Abroad / Erasmus Made Easier
The International Relations Office would like to thank all the Faculties, Departments, and Centres at the University of the Basque Country for their efforts in providing material for this package. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this package, but the University of the Basque Country can accept no responsability for any errors or omissions. The most recent data has been used. However, research and education are continuosly on the move; data can change quickly and become outdated in no time.
This Information Package has a two-fold purpose. In a strict sense, it
is meant to offer all of the information concerning the University
which might be useful to foreign students interested in carrying out
part of their studies in the Basque Country. In a broader sense, the
guide is meant to be a clearer and more efficient design for a course
work plan used in studies abroad, and as a result, encourage student
mobility. We hope that the effort taken will help to strengthen and
widen the valuable ties established between European Universities in
recent years through ERASMUS programmes, and even help to spread ties
beyond the scope of Europe.
The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) is based on mutual trust
between participating educational institutions and is characterised by:
availability of information on courses offered by universities;
agreement between the university of origin and the university of
destination of international students; the use of transferable credits
for evaluating what each course is academically worth; and guaranteeing
recognition in the student's University of origin. In an academic study
year each ECTS student is supposed to undertake a full academic
workload of 60 credits. Therefore, in a semester, a student must carry
a workload of 30 credits and in an academic term (or trimester), 20
credits.
In this guide each and every one of the courses available at the
University of the Basque Country has been quantified in the above
terms. The Vice-Recorate for Research and International Relations has
taken on the task of collecting and editing the information offered by
13 Faculties, 12 University Colleges and 1 Higher Technical School,
which he wishes to thank for their inestimable help and positive
attitude. A huge effort has been made to guarantee that the information
offered in the guide is accurate. The descriptions are not totally
homogeneous in form and content. The differences in organization and
structure of the different Faculties and Colleges, some of which are
currently immersed in the process of renovating their course work
plans, will inevitably be reflected in this catalogue. This
modification will affect largely to the number of subjects students
will have to take throughout an academic year. Students should contact
the faculty ECTS coordinators to encertain that courses she/he wishes
to attend are available also in 1999-00. Despite possible
imperfections, we hope that this publication is of use to other
European Educational Institutions, and fundamentally of use to students.
| SEARCH FOR PROPERTY FOR SALE IN VITORIA - GASTEIZ (web page in Spanish) | |
|
Search for New and Secondhand property for sale in Vitoria - Gasteiz |