Medieval Quarter (Casco Medieval)
Casco Medieval / Alde Zaharra
An almond-shaped medieval quarter on a hilltop, with guild-named parallel streets, Renaissance palaces, mural walls and a crowd of pintxos bars.
Vitoria's old town was founded in 1181, when King Sancho VI of Navarre established the city. Its streets form concentric almond-shaped rings around the hilltop, and many are named after guilds, such as Cuchillería (Knife-makers' Street) and Correría (Cobblers' Street). Strolling through, you will see Renaissance palaces, remnants of 12th-century city walls and dozens of large murals. Outdoor escalators link the upper and lower streets. Calle Cuchillería and the surrounding area have the highest concentration of pintxos bars. Entry is free. A walking tour takes about 2 to 3 hours, and comfortable shoes are advisable because the slopes are steep.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- BIBAT Museum (Archaeology & Fournier Playing Cards)
- Medieval Wall
- Santa María Cathedral
- Church of San Miguel
- Los Arquillos
- Plaza de España (Plaza Nueva)
- Plaza de la Virgen Blanca
- Calle Cuchillería Pintxos Bars