Vitoria-Gasteiz initiates the first project to green the medieval quarter

31/10/2025

The action, which is part of the LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 project, is planned for the Cantón Carnicerías – Santa Ana area .

The Department of Public Space and Neighbourhoods of the Local Government Board of Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council has approved the contract to green the Cantón Carnicerías – Santa Ana area, as the first step in the plan to renaturalise the medieval quarter and bring nature back to the historic heart of the city.  

The action is part of LIFE IP Urban Klima 2050 a European programme coordinated by the Basque Government and financed by the European Union, under Action C.4.1:Nature-based solutions and their co-benefits  The project involves the participation of the Centre for Environmental Studies (CEA), the promoter of the overall process of greening the medieval quarter, which also includes the districts of Santa Ana, Anorbín and San Pedro, and the design of a standard flower box that can be replicated throughout the whole area.  

This is the first action of its kind in the medieval quarter, a pilot project that will act as a model for future urban greening actions in the historic centre.  

The area of action covers Cantón de las Carnicerías, Calle Sociedad Vascongada, Calle Gasteiz, Cantón de Santa Ana, part of San Vicente de Paúl and Calle San Ildefonso.  

The aim is to naturalise these places and make them more attractive, creating more pleasant, liveable and sustainable areas that encourage coexistence, relaxation and everyday life in a heritage setting.  

The project introduces the concept of “Kaikus”, large circular flower boxes made of steel and wood that will combine vegetation, benches and platforms, adapted to the slopes in the districts. These pieces will act as micro green islands that will provide freshness, shade and biodiversity, with low-maintenance plants that require little watering.  

“We want the medieval quarter to also be a green, lively and comfortable space. This project is our first step towards incorporating nature into our streets, demonstrating that sustainability and heritage can coexist,” said Beatriz Artolazabal, Councillor for Public Space and Neighbourhoods.  

The project has a total budget of 269,284 euros and a completion period of between 18 and 20 weeks.  

Work will begin in the next few weeks and planting will take place between November and March, the ideal time to ensure that the plant species take root.  

The Centre for Environmental Studies (CEA) is the promoter and coordinator of the entire Medieval Quarter Greening Plan, which envisages new phases in the districts of Anorbín and San Pedro, and the creation of standardised flower boxes that will allow the model to be extended to other parts of the central area.  

“This first action will pave the way for continuing to roll out green infrastructure in the historic quarter, thereby strengthening Vitoria-Gasteiz's status as a green, sustainable city", added Artolazabal.