Vitoria Murals: The Urban Art Route You Can’t Miss

22/01/2026 Vitoria 8 min

Discover one of the most original cultural experiences in Vitoria through its murals: more than 40 works full of color, history, and creativity.

Vitoria-Gasteiz offers one of the most unique cultural proposals in the Basque Country: an open-air urban art gallery that covers façades, streets, and corners with murals bursting with color, history, and social awareness. This initiative has turned the city into an international benchmark for muralism, offering visitors a truly visual and cultural experience.

Known as the “Painted City,” it invites you to explore the Old Town and surrounding neighborhoods through a route that combines historical heritage with contemporary artistic expression. Over 40 murals form part of an itinerary that doesn’t just decorate the city—it transforms the urban space, telling collective stories, addressing social issues, and leaving a mark on those who encounter them.

The Mural Itinerary of Vitoria-Gasteiz

The IMVG (Mural Itinerary of Vitoria-Gasteiz) was born in 2007 as a citizen-driven, artistic initiative led by Verónica Werckmeister, Christina Werckmeister, and Brenan Duarte. Its goal was simple: to turn the urban landscape into an open, accessible, and participatory art gallery.

Since then, more than 40 murals have been created with the collaboration of professional artists, local residents, and volunteers, becoming part of the city’s urban and social fabric. IMVG has grown into a benchmark for collaborative art and a tool for social and cultural transformation.

While most of the murals are in the Old Town, neighborhoods like Zaramaga and Ariznabarra also feature works that make Vitoria a European reference in mural art. Each piece is the result of workshops, community dialogue, and a collective artistic process.

Vitoria Mural Route: The Highlights

Exploring the murals of Vitoria is the perfect plan for discovering the city on foot or by bike. In approximately two hours, you can follow this route that starts in the Old Town and continues into neighborhoods where art blends with everyday life.

Al hilo del tiempo

Location: Plaza de las Burullerías
This was the first IMVG mural, created in 2007. Its name refers to the square’s textile history and covers more than 225 m². It depicts fabrics, textures, and symbolism linked to the old cloth market and serves as an ideal starting point for diving into the city’s mural history.

Eskuz Esku

Location: Calle Herrería
“Hand in hand” in Basque, this mural celebrates collective work, the land, and collaboration. It is part of a trilogy that includes mosaics and paintings evoking community and tradition.

Cubiertos de cielo y estrellas

Location: Santa Ana Cantoia / Pintore Kalea
Inspired by classical art, this mural echoes the works of Giotto. It shows a romantic scene under a starry sky and stands out for its emotional sensitivity and harmony with the medieval architecture of the Old Town.

¿Qué haremos con lo que sabemos?

Location: Calle Colegio de San Prudencio
Created after Vitoria was named Green Capital in 2012, this mural invites reflection on how knowledge can build more sustainable cities. Located on a school façade, it carries a clear ecological message.

La luz de la esperanza

Location: Calle Zapatería
Painted in 2011, this mural addresses social inequalities and conveys messages of justice, education, and hope through symbolic color and impactful design.

El arte de la arruga

Location: Zaramaga (Calle Mendoza)
A moving tribute to the elderly, this mural invites reflection on memory and the role of past generations in shaping Vitoria’s social identity.

Usted está aquí

Location: Zaramaga (Calle Mendoza)
One of the most recent additions to the route. This piece honors those who migrated to Vitoria seeking a better life. A mural about inclusion and belonging.

Beyond the official IMVG route, Vitoria also features spontaneous street art and graffiti that complete the city’s creative landscape. From hidden façades to alleys with thought-provoking messages, Vitoria breathes art in even the most unexpected places.

Where to Stay in Vitoria

If you’re planning to explore the mural route, staying at Kora Green City is the perfect option. Located just minutes from the Old Town, it allows you to start your mural journey on foot or by bike and easily reach the neighborhoods where the artworks are located.

Our studios and apartments combine function, space, and comfort in a sustainable setting. After a day discovering Vitoria’s urban art, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a space designed for your well-being. Plus, you’ll be just steps from cafés, restaurants, and local shops to keep uncovering the essence of the city. Book your stay here.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Mural Route

Before heading out to explore Vitoria’s murals, check out these tips to make your route more comfortable, enriching, and memorable. From the best time of day to how to mix art and leisure, here’s everything you need to know.

Best time of day: Visit the murals in the morning or at sunset for the best light and photo opportunities.
Route duration: A relaxed tour of the main murals can take 1.5 to 2 hours, or you can break it into segments to spend more time with each work and take cultural breaks.
How to get around: Start in the Old Town to see the historic murals and head toward neighborhoods like Zaramaga for the newer works. A bike can help you move efficiently between areas.
Combine culture and leisure: Stop by local squares, cafés, and shops between murals. It enriches your visit and helps you connect with the city beyond the art. Download Kora Green City’s Secret Guide here.
What to bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection—especially during midday walks.

Guided Tours and Experiences

The City Council and IMVG organize guided tours that help you understand the background of each mural—its message, technique, and creative process. These tours are ideal for visitors who want to dive deeper and discover the stories, symbols, and hidden meanings behind the artworks.

The mural route in Vitoria-Gasteiz transforms a simple walk into a cultural, visual, and inspiring experience. Each piece tells a story, sparks reflection, and enriches the cityscape with a message that goes beyond aesthetics. Every mural is a visual chapter in the city’s collective story.

If you’re visiting Vitoria and staying at Kora Green City, don’t miss one of the city’s must-do activities. Whether you’re a fan of street art or simply looking to discover authentic and soulful corners of the city, this route is for you.

FAQs

Yes, you can request them at the Vitoria-Gasteiz Tourist Office or check the IMVG website.
“Al hilo del tiempo” is considered the most iconic and was the first mural of the IMVG, covering over 225 m².
They are less than a 15-minute walk from the Old Town and connected by bike lanes, making it easy to explore the entire route.