Casa Palacio de los Álava-Velasco

Casa Palacio de los Álava-Velasco is a Baroque town palace standing on the small Plazuela de Santo Domingo in the heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz's old quarter, tucked between Calle Zapatería and Calle Herrería. The free-standing, rectangular mansion was built in the late 17th century on the orders of Francisco Carlos de Álava Arista, a member of one of the city's most influential families. For generations the house remained in the hands of the Álava lineage, a lasting mark of their standing among the Basque nobility.

How do you get there?

The palace sits within the pedestrian-friendly Casco Histórico, so the easiest way to reach it is on foot from Plaza de la Virgen Blanca or Santa María Cathedral — both just a few minutes' walk through the old town's narrow lanes. The nearest bus stops are along Calle Dato and Plaza de España, a short stroll from the building. Drivers will find underground car parks near the city centre, since the old quarter itself has restricted vehicle access.

What will you see?

The building follows a layout typical of Vitoria-Gasteiz's aristocratic townhouses: a basement, a ground floor, two upper residential storeys, and an attic tucked beneath the roofline. Its Baroque façade pairs austere stone door and window surrounds with a balanced, proportioned composition — a hallmark of patrician residences from that era. After years of decline and a decade standing empty, the palace underwent a thorough restoration that brought back its 17th-century structure while adapting the interior to a new purpose: today it houses a complex of 33 tourist apartments. That means visitors can admire the façade from the street, and those who book a stay can also experience the historic interior firsthand.

When should you visit?

Vitoria-Gasteiz's old town is at its most pleasant in spring and early summer, when mild weather makes strolling its narrow streets easy and the quiet Plazuela de Santo Domingo stays calm even during peak tourist months. In autumn and winter the palace takes on a more intimate feel — fewer visitors mean more space to study the architectural details without a crowd. Keep in mind that the building now functions as private accommodation, so viewing is generally limited to the exterior unless you're staying there as a guest.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the Álava-Velasco palace? The building has been converted into a complex of tourist apartments, so the interior is mainly accessible to guests staying overnight rather than through general sightseeing visits.

How old is the palace? It was built in the late 17th century at the initiative of Francisco Carlos de Álava Arista, making it one of the old town's most significant Baroque landmarks.

Where exactly is it located? On the small Plazuela de Santo Domingo, between Calle Zapatería and Calle Herrería, right in the historic Casco Histórico district of Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — Plaza de la Virgen Blanca and Santa María Cathedral are both just a few minutes' walk away, making it easy to combine a visit to the palace with the old town's main landmarks.