A total of 906 people have participated in the immersive tourist visits to the Villa Suso Palace since the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council launched them on April 1st. This novel proposal combines virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive games with other exhibition resources, such as holograms, an audiovisual presentation, models, and informative panels.
The guided tour allows participants to learn in a didactic way about historical aspects of the city, the building's values, and the transition from the medieval city to the modern city.
“"The good data obtained in this first phase lead us to continue programming these innovative visits to one of the most imposing monumental buildings in our city."
The capital of Alava boasts a Historic Quarter with medieval origins, making it the historical and monumental capital of the Basque Country. Visitors discover medieval, Renaissance, and neoclassical vestiges in its streets, often surprised by the sobriety and beauty of its ancient streets and buildings.
Vitoria-Gasteiz features numerous examples of Renaissance palatial architecture, many of which have been converted into museums or cultural centers. Several medieval tower houses, neoclassical buildings, and elegant mansions from the early 20th century also stand out.
One such example is the Villa Suso Palace. Owned by the municipality, it is located in the unique Plaza del Machete, an area of great beauty and exemplary architecture, and is used as a venue for congresses and the Municipal Culture Service.
Construction of the Palace began in 1538 south of the medieval old town, commissioned by Martín de Salinas, ambassador to King Ferdinand of Hungary and Bohemia, brother of Emperor Charles I. Some of its interior walls were part of the city's ancient high wall, making the promenade between its walls one of the most beautiful in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Its main facade features a balcony-gallery offering some of the best views of Vitoria-Gasteiz, and at its northern end, the magnificent entrance with the Salinas coat of arms is notable.
The building is equipped with universal accessibility measures, ensuring that people of all ages and with different needs can enjoy the visit.
This project is made possible through the collaboration of the Basque Government's Tourism Department, the company Hélice Creativos, and contributions from historians Ismael García-Gómez and Ramón Díaz de Durana. The technologies were developed by Amazing Up, Tifloactiva Eulen Art, and Arkikus.
Reservations can be made online, in person, or by phone at the Tourist Office, as well as 15 minutes before the visit at the Villa Suso Palace itself (if places are available).
The price for the visits is 5.45 euros per person. Children under 12 are free (with a reserved ticket).
The next scheduled dates for this activity are Friday, November 20th at 5:00 PM, and Saturday, November 21st, and Sunday, November 22nd at 12:00 PM.
