Vitoria-Gasteiz

The city of Vitoria-Gasteiz was founded in the twelfth century, but remained quite small until the twentieth century. The city and the province of Araba remained separate from the great industrial growth around them, in Bilbao for example, although this growth caught up with the city later.

Since 1950 the population of the city has more than quadrupled, and it continues to grow at a steady rate. Capital of the Basque province of Alava, the city concentrates more than three quarters of the province's population. Tthe city has a buoyant automotive and aeronautic industry. As of 2005, Alava is the province with the highest per capita income in Spain.

Since 1980, Vitoria-Gasteiz is the capital of Euskadi, and the Basque Government is established there. Many governmental buildings are located in the city. It is considered as one of the greenest cities in the Basque Country, with many parks and recreational areas. The usage of the bicycle is widespread and there is a free bicycle lending service.

Developments from the late 1980's are almost finished now, Abetxuko and Lakua. And since 2002 new neighborhoods are being built; Aretxabaleta, Zabalgana and Salburua, with more than 25,000 residential units. With some towers under construction at Salburua 8. Sektorea and Torres de Mariturri.

High-rise buildings can be found all over the city, but are concentrated mainly on the east and south of the city; Salburua, Los Astronomos, Pepe Ubis and Santiago. And on the north; Calle Honduras and Portal de Foronda.