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Bilbao City Guide - $section
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San Sebastian
The Basque region's most popular beach, La Concha, is
to be found in the genteel resort city of San Sebastian, 62 miles
(100km) east of Bilbao. The town became fashionable as a summer
getaway during the reign of Queen Isabel when she took to
holidaying there in 1845. Today the town hums with boutiques,
surf-shops and nightclubs, but the elaborate boardwalk and
grandiose historic mansions lend an air of sophistication. For a
spectacular view of the sea and countryside ride the funicular to
the top of Monte Igueldo, or opt for the opposite side of the bay
where it is possible to stroll through shady woods to the summit of
Monte Urgull, topped with a statue of Jesus blessing the city. The
town's Museo de San Telmo, housed in a Dominican monastery,
displays some interesting prehistoric Basque artefacts, and a few
dinosaur skeletons. The house where Victor Hugo once lived is in
the nearby charming fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan, which
can be reached by ferry from San Sebastian.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
British visitors are reassured by the presence of a
statue of Wellington, the 'Iron Duke', standing on the Plaza de la
Virgen Blanca in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, 41 miles (66km) south
of Bilbao. The statue commemorates Wellington's victory in battle
here against Napoleon's forces. The main reason for visiting this
Basque city, however, is to enjoy the impressive new contemporary
art museum, and soak up some of the charm of this green urban
enclave, packed with avenues and parks. There is also an old
quarter, full of Renaissance palaces, most of which are now art
galleries and museums. The city also has two Gothic cathedrals, one
dating from the 12th century and one, modern but designed in Gothic
style, still under construction.
