Basque Country history - Basque Country tourist information
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Basque Country Information: 2000 YEARS BRICK BY BRICK - Basque Country Culture |
| THE ROMANS OF IRUNA Right next to Vitoria-Gasteiz, in Trespuentes, we can visit the site of what must have been a city in Roman imperial times. The Oppidum de Iruna is a Roman settlement surrounded by a thick wall corresponding to the ancient Veleia. We can still see the remains of a forum, the layout of the urban structure and two bridges spanning the river Zadorra.  ROMANESQUE BRIDGE IN BALMASEDA The Puente Viejo, or de la Muza, is one of the most symbolic elements to be found in Balmaseda. Built in the 13th century over the ruins of a previous construction, this Romanesque bridge, now a national monument, was an obligatory place of passage on the ancient road to Castile.  FLEMISH ALTARPIECE IN LEKEITIO The Gothic period left one of its gems in Lekeitio's church of Santa Maria de la Asunci6n (Bizkaia). In addition to admiring the building's typically Gothic buttresses and flying buttresses, we mustn't miss the central altarpiece depicting the life of Mary and the Passion of Christ. This building is attributed to a Flemish master highly skilled in expressiveness and detail. RENAISSANCE UNIVERSITY In the Basque Country referring to Renaissance means referring to Oñati University (Gipuzkoa), a paradigm of the said style thanks to both its architectural form and open spirit. The Universidad del Sancti Spiritus is a beautiful building set around a serene patio. A Plateresque facade with allegoric figures and two higher bodies on either extreme confer distinction upon this delightfully harmonious construction.  MODERNIST BILBAO Modernist aesthetics, with sculptural facades and art nouveau decoration, was fashionable in Bilbao and can still be seen in buildings such as the Casa Montero (on the Alameda de Recalde) or the Teatro Campos Elfseos, both decorated by the Frenchman, Darroguy. Donostia-San Sebastian's Calle Prim also has a number of buildings bearing a profusion of Modernist decoration. 
A REVOLUTIONARY COLLABORATION Although the work of contemporary architects and sculptors is to be found throughoUt the Basque Country, the Santuario de Arantzazu is perhaps the best example of avantgarde art. Several creators came together in the 50s to build this new basilica in a privileged setting; a work that completely broke away from previous architectural aesthetics. The architectural project was drawn up by Sainz de Oiza and Luis Laorga. The sculptures on the facade (with thirteen apostles instead of twelve) are by Jorge Oteiza. The doors, by a young Eduardo Chillida. The splendid altarpiece, by Lucio Muñoz. And the paintings in the crypt by Nestor Basterretxea. Simply unique. |
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