Among the excess of activities that the region of Northern Spain offers, travellers must make sure to enjoy its unique conflation of modern art, historical monuments, vibrant festivals and rich heritage. The region is a treasure trove of cultural and artistic experiences. This circuit thoroughly explores the region's vast cultural diversity with stops where one is culturally richer than the other, like Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander and Altamira in Cantabria, and Asturias (Oviedo and Gijon). For those interested in art, culture and history, this route is a must-visit because each city and town brims with its unique charm and attractions. Let us delve into this circuit and find out all that a traveller can explore effectively on a trip to Spain.

　　Bilbao: A Confluence of Modernity and Tradition

　　Bilbao is the biggest city in the Basque Country and is well known for its seamless fusion of modernity and heritage. To begin with, the Guggenheim Museum, a Frank Gehry masterpiece of modern architecture, is the most recognisable landmark in the city. This museum is an archival of Bilbao's transition from an industrial centre to a centre of culture, in addition to housing a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. Artworks by artists like Anish Kapoor, Richard Serra and Jeff Koons are on display for visitors to view.

　　In addition to the Guggenheim, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum boasts a towering collection of paintings spanning the Middle Ages to the present day, featuring work of Francis Bacon, Goya and El Greco. One other thing that makes the city stand out and is unmissable is the Old Town, or Casco Viejo. In addition to quaint stores and meandering streets, the fourteenth-century Santiago Cathedral, erected in the Gothic style, is located there.

　　Besides the numerous artworks that adorn the city, Bilbao's cultural calendar is another feature that its residents take pride in. The most well-known of these festivals is Aste Nagusia, also known as Great Week, which occurs in August. This festival highlights street acts, concerts, traditional Basque sports and a vibrant aura that dominates the entire city. Summarily, Bilbao is a fascinating destination for art and culture enthusiasts, offering a plethora of historical sites and contemporary attractions.

　　San Sebastian: The Cultural Jewel of the Basque Country

　　Located on Spain's northern coast, San Sebastian, also known as Donostia in Basque, is a cultural treasure. The city is well-known for its unparalleled cuisine and stunning beaches, besides having a strong cultural scene. The San Telmo Museum in the city, which is housed in a 16th-century Dominican convent, focuses on Basque society and citizenship offering great insights into the history and culture of the Basque nation.

　　When on the subject of San Sebastian, the International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious events that attracts actors, directors, and moviegoers from all over the world, can hardly be overlooked. Furthermore, in terms of architecture, the city is synonymous with two of its gems: the neo-Gothic Buen Pastor Cathedral and the Miramar Palace, which provides expansive views of the Bay of Biscay.

　　Santander and Altamira: A Trail of Modern and Prehistoric Wonders

　　Cantabria's capital, Santander, is a city that skillfully stitches its historical charm with contemporary attractions. Offering exhibitions, workshops and performances, the Renzo Piano-designed Centro Botín is a popular destination for art enthusiasts in the city. Further on, with artefacts from the Palaeolithic era, the Museum of Prehistory and Archaeology of Cantabria offers an intriguing look into the ancient past of the region.

　　Once the summer home of the Spanish royal family, Santander’s Magdalena Palace is a significant historical landmark that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and guided tours. Another stunning example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in the city is its Santander Cathedral.

　　The list of attractions don’t end here. The Altamira Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its prehistoric cave paintings, are among the most important heritage sites close to Santander. These paintings are among the best examples of Palaeolithic art, having been produced by early humans more than 35,000 years ago. The city's lively cultural scene is enhanced by the music, dance, and theatre performances during the August Santander International Festival.

　　Asturias: A Region Rich in History and Culture

　　Asturias provides diverse historical and cultural experiences, particularly in its coastal cities of Gijon and Oviedo. The Archaeological Museum of Asturias, located in Oviedo, is well-known for holding artefacts from the prehistoric, Roman and mediaeval periods in the area. Picasso and El Greco are among the Spanish and international artists represented in the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias.

　　The pre-Romanesque churches of Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are among Oviedo's architectural highlights. These churches, constructed in the ninth century, are notable for their distinctive architectural style and historical significance.

　　Furthermore, the Laboral City of Culture is a cultural complex that holds performances, workshops and exhibitions in the lively coastal city of Gijon. Two important historical sites that provide a window into Gijon's past are the city's Roman baths and the Revillagigedo Palace.

　　The San Mateo Festival in Oviedo, which takes place in September and includes concerts, cultural events, and traditional Asturian music and dance, is one of the festivals that Asturias is well-known for. Semana Negra in Gijon is a unique literary, cinematic, and musical festival that draws tourists from all over Spain and beyond.

　　Spain is a treasure trove of art and culture, offering travellers an enriching experience at every turn. Whether exploring the works of Picasso and Gaudí or immersing oneself in the rhythms of flamenco, Spain's rich cultural heritage is sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor. A trip to Spain is not just about seeing the sights but about experiencing the spirit of its people and their artistic legacy.

　　This article is published in collaboration with Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña), Mumbai. For more information, follow Turespaña on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube