Vitoria (enlace, link, lien)
If you
ever go the basque country Vitoria-Gasteiz is a must stop either on
your way to the Rioja region or back or on your way to Santiago de
Compostela. Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital city of the province of
Álava and of the autonomous community of the Basque Country in
northern Spain. Within the city Santa María Cathedral is the visit
not to be missed. Santa María de Vitoria Cathedral was built by King
Alfonso VIII of Castile after the conquest of Vitoria in the second
half of the 12th century. Alfonso X was responsible for expanding and
modifying the structure with Gothic details in the 13th century.
Due to
a lack of funds and political unrest, the cathedral had been poorly
maintained for years, and suffered from structural and conservation
problems, including the destabilization of the foundation and walls,
which had shifted over time. In 2002, a conservation master plan was
developed and its implementation was carried out as funds became
available by the Ayuntamiento (Municipality) of Vitoria-Gastéiz. The
site Excavations during the restoration of the cathedral revealed
layers of history dating back to the eighth century, including
countless pottery fragments and almost 2,000 graves. The original
settlement of Gasteiz was built around A.D. 800. In the eleventh
century, the first city wall was erected and the first church was
later built against it.
I could
go on but this isn't the purpose of this blog.
Enjoy
those snap shots taken along my visit.
(photos
taken with my Fujitsu XE-1 18-55mm lens)
Vitoria (enlace, link, lien)
