Los Arquillos, Neoclassical arcade in Alde Zaharra district, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.
Los Arquillos is a sequence of sandstone arches in Vitoria-Gasteiz that connects two different levels of the city. The passage runs through the historic quarter and features multiple tiers with shops on the ground level and apartments stacked above.
Construction started in the late 18th century to manage the city's rapid growth and unite the two separate districts. The project fundamentally shaped the townscape and reflected the era's push toward modern urban planning.
The name refers to the stone arches that define the character of this passageway and make it a natural meeting point. Locals use it daily to move between neighborhoods, and small shops line both sides of the corridor.
The covered passageway protects you from rain and sun as you browse the many shops and restaurants along the route. The area is easily walkable and relatively level, making navigation straightforward.
The vertical design weaves apartments with shops in a system that functions like a small city unto itself. This arrangement is uncommon and shows an early example of mixed-use development.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
