Basque Region
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The Basque Region of Spain is located in the north central area of the country and borders onto France and the Bay of Biscay in the north. It is a relatively moderate sized area of Spain encompassing the provinces of Alava, Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa for a total land area of 2803 square miles. The capital city of the Basque Region is Vitoria, which has a historical city center that is known for its medieval architecture surrounded by a more modern industrial and residential-style newer development areas.
The Basque area of Spain is known for its historical importance to the development of the country and its culture. It has been largely preserved with castles, palaces, courtyards and beautiful gardens largely untouched from their original construction. These areas are still in use, however, and provide visitors with an amazing glimpse into the ancient world and early developers of the area.
The cultural life of the Basque region is well known internationally. Traditional Spanish entertainment such as dancing, live music, opera, symphonies and recitals form an important part of the culture of the area. Outstanding artists and craftsmen are also drawn to the Basque region to study the classical artists as well as the architecture that still survives today. Churches, museums, galleries and the public plazas of the area are all artistic sites where artists gather to exhibit and sell their work.
The cooking of the Basque Region is distinctive for its use of fresh produce along with the fresh seafood from the port cities in the region. Specialties in Basque cooking include seafood such as crab, hake and cod as well as a regional specialty angulas or baby eels. Food is prepared in the same general types of preparations as it has always been, rustic yet flavorful. The local wines of the Basque Region, especially a local wine called txakoli, is served with most meals.
Fishing is still a large part of the industry in the Basque Region and it is not unusual for residents and visitors alike to spend time watching the boats in the smaller fishing villages as well as the port centers. Exploring and day trips to the countryside as well as touring through smaller villages and local attractions are popular events for tourists to the area.