Located in the north of Spain, this is one of the oldest autonomous regions, dating back thousands of years, with little known about its origins. Its inhabitants speak Basque, the oldest language in Europe that is still alive today, and its ancient streets, now mixed with some of the most modern contemporary buildings, hide a whole host of secrets. These spots have been frozen in time, and are just waiting for you to discover them.
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Irala district, Bilbao
On Zuberoa street in Bilbao, you will come across a set of colourful houses that will not escape your attention. These overtly English-style homes were built on the initiative of a Bilbao resident. He was a baker and owner of a large company who wanted the working class -the workers in his factory- to have better living conditions. More than a century after it was built, the houses and the beauty of this district still turn the heads of anyone passing through Zuberoa street, which is a must-see.
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The English Cemetery, San Sebastián
At the top of Mount Urgull, you will find a little spot that is steeped in the history of San Sebastián. The remains of a large number of English soldiers who came to fight in the Carlist Wars rest here. The cemetery is full of sculptures, mausoleums and structures that have now become trapped in the rugged nature of the mountain, adding magic and charm to this impressive place, which you will love.
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Machete square, Vitoria
A spot that still survives from medieval times. Nestled between the Church of San Miguel and the Villa Suso palace is this square, where you can find an area with an inscription and a machete inside a glass case. This is because, in the past, the city's court representative and the members of the city council took an oath to serve the city on pain of death.
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Boulevard car park, San Sebastián
Right underneath Bretxa market lies one of the city's oldest secrets. In the depths of the car park, right next to where you can park your vehicle, you can find the remains of the wall that defended the city in ancient times. These remains that were discovered when construction of the car park began and have been preserved and respected, creating the perfect place on the lower floors of the market to look at the wall.
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The 'txikiteros' kitty, Bilbao
Located in the middle of Bilbao old quarters is the 'txikiteros' kitty. It is of those secrets that is visible to all, but easily goes unnoticed. It consists of a kitty where the 'txikiteros', groups of friends out for drinks in the centre of Bilbao, leave their spare change at the end of the night. In the kitty there is a sculpture of the patron saint, who is holding a 'txikito' glass, one of the typical ones used for drinks in the city. Best of all, once a year, on 11 October, the kitty is opened and all of the contents are donated to a charitable cause.
In The Basque Country, you will find a lot of secret corners waiting to be discovered. These hidden spots have resisted the passing of time and can still be enjoyed today.
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