Ajuria Enea facts for kids
The Palace of Ajuria Enea is a special building in Vitoria-Gasteiz, a city in northern Spain. It is the official home of the Lehendakari, who is like the president or leader of the Basque Country.
Contents
The Ajuria Enea Palace
What is the Ajuria Enea Palace?
The Ajuria Enea Palace is more than just a fancy building. It's where the leader of the Basque Country lives and works. This important building was chosen because of its beautiful design. The Basque Government bought it in 1980. Later that same year, Carlos Garaikoetxea became the first Lehendakari to live there. This happened after democracy returned to Spain.
A Look Inside: How the Palace Was Built
The palace was built a long time ago, in 1920. A Swiss architect named Alfredo Baeschlin designed it. A builder named Hilarión San Vicente helped make it real. It was built for a rich local businessman named Serafín Ajuria. The outside of the palace shows off a special style called neo-Basque art.
From Home to School to Official Residence
The Ajuria family lived in the palace for many years. Then, in 1966, it was given to a religious group called the Madres Escolapias. They used the palace as a school for children.
Six years later, in 1972, another group bought it. This was the Provincial Council of Álava. They wanted to turn it into a museum to show Basque art. The palace was open to the public as a museum for two years. But then, it became the official home for the Lehendakari.
Who is the Lehendakari?
The Lehendakari is the President of the Basque Autonomous Community. This is a special region in Spain that has its own government. The Lehendakari is the main leader of this government. They work to make important decisions for the people of the Basque Country.
See also
In Spanish: Ajuria Enea para niños
