Basque in the Beauty
The Basque country is a much reputed area in northern Spain, high in the Pyrenees mountain range. Otherwise known as Biscay and a region steeped in history, from the Spanish civil war and the 2nd World War!
I was lucky enough a few years ago to be working for a Spanish company, who’s headquarters were in Gernika in the Basque country. As such, I visited a few times on business.
The area is beautiful, picturesque and idyllic. The people of the Basque country are very friendly and accommodating. It is not the war torn region that the media would have us believe.
I flew into Bilbao airport, in glorious sunshine. Bilbao is a beautiful clean city, with much to do. The Guggenheim Museum is an incredible building situated alongside a river. A contemporary building designed by Frank Gehry, housing modern art by Spanish and international artists, it is an amazing place clad in titanium and glass and designed in curves in order to catch random rays of light. Incredible! The city’s public transport system will take you more or less to the doors of the Guggenheim.
In addition to this masterpiece of modern architecture, Bilbao holds attractions for all. Restaurants for everyone, bars, the fine arts museum, the Mercado Rural de Santa Tomas – a local flea market with bargains galore plus other flea markets, the amazing central square, the cathedral, there is a reasonably priced riding school, walking in the mountainous areas, more museums and art galleries, and on top of all of this there are the beaches to visit!
Drive 20km (or 30 minutes) North of Bilbao through the mountains and you come to the picturesque town of Gernika. A very historic town, close to the coast and full of charm. This town was the victim of Hitler in the 2nd World War when it was bombed in an effort by the Nazis to assist Franco to overthrow the Basque and Spanish Republican Governments. 1654 civilians lost their lives as a result of this attack, and the situation was immortalised in Pablo Picasso’s painting "The Battle For Gernika".
Since then the town has rebuilt itself and is a stunning naturally Basque town full of narrow streets housing shops, restaurants, bars etc. For something a bit more picturesque you can drive about 7km east to the coast and sit on a terrace at a restaurant high in the mountains and eat your lunch with a drink overlooking the beautiful bays. Wherever you drive here, you see quaint hillside houses and beautiful churches on the mountainsides. Heaven!
The pace in this region is nice and relaxed – leisurely – life rolls by in its own time, and its a great way to unwind. If you want a relaxing holiday then visit this region of Spain and enjoy your time. If you are in Bilbao, then its definitely worthwhile visiting Gernika to experience its history – all of the public transport systems will take you there at a reasonable price.
Go to northern Spain and Basque in its beauty
Wishing you a safe journey,
Dale Preece-kelly
More at http://www.selfhope.co.uk
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