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Bilbao is a lively and vibrant provincial capital considered to be the center of finance and culture. It makes up the majority of what is known as the Greater Bilbao metropolitan area, and has an approximate number of close to one million people residing in the Lower Nervión river valley. The aforementioned river is very important because both of its banks continue to be the source of life for the capital as well as the province. The modern highway network keeps Bilbao connected to the rest of Spain and Europe. It is also the proud and permanent venue of the International Samples Trade Fair. The international airport found in the Cantabrian seaboard made by the renowned Santiago Calatrava is also an invaluable asset of Bilbao.
Bilbao is a picturesque city bordered by mountains and complimented by the river Nervion. Its long history started way back in the year 1300, when Diego Lopez de Haro, Lord of Vizcaya, founded it. Bilbao was only a humble and unassuming village of peasants and fishermen at that time. However, because of its important geographical location, it was concluded to have a very good potential for development, and not long after, plans were under way to make the city of Bilbao grow and progress. However, because of the mountains, the city plan for Bilbao couldn’t help being uneven in terrain.
The most historical part of the city is called the Old City, also popularly termed as the Seven Streets. Because of its rich inclination to the past, it has been protected and preserved since 1972. The addition of a wide array of bars and restaurants in the Old City gives both the tourists and residents even more reasons to go there. The well-renowned Santiago Cathedral, situated right at the heart of the Seven Streets, is the notable oldest structure of the city. With its Gothic design and neo-classical interiors, the cathedral generates enthusiastic interest in the fields of art and architecture throughout the whole of Spain.
From there, one can go to the La Ribera Market through Belosticalle Street. Due to the careful renovation conducted after the floods in 1983, the market is certain to be pleasant and accommodating. Standing nearly beside it are the San Anton’s and its famous bridge which crosses the ria. The church was built in the 15th century using the stones of the Bilbao Alcazar or otherwise known as fortress. The bridge, on the other hand, features the Bilbao coat of arms. The Museum of Vizcaya History and Archeology is at the La Cruz Street. It proudly contains artifacts on the colorful lifestyle of Basque men and women in the past.
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One can then proceed to Sombreria Street through the Nueva Square. This 19th century structure is home to a traditional street market every Sunday where one can purchase all kinds of goods and commodities. Every December 21st, the square is also synonymous to the famous Santo Tomas market. Following Correo Street, one can go to the Arenal. The Arenal is a park famous for the Municipal Band playing there every Sunday morning. The park also features the Arriaga Theatre. It was formerly considered the icon for the city’s vibrant cultures and traditions, showcasing events that included plays, operas, Spanish operettas (otherwise known as zarzuela) and concerts. The theater even boasted its own theater companies to see to its various activities and also aid in the preparations of other Spanish and foreign theaters when needed. It was recently meticulously restored to recapture its former glory.
Before reaching the City Hall, one is certain to pass by the San Nicolas de Bari Church, notably considered a fine illustration of Vizcaya Baroque. The City Hall, meanwhile, is highlighted by its huge exterior staircase. Everything about the building bespeaks the neo-classical design and architecture of the 19th century. The Salon Arabe or the Arab Hall is particularly acknowledged for being remarkable. Buenos Aires Street ultimately leads to the Espana Square, where the statue of the founder of the city can be found. The square is also considered the point of departure of the Gran Via, otherwise termed as the main street of the city. It crosses Federico Moyua Square, which is also known as Plaza Eliptica, and stretches as far as El Sagrado Corazon Square. Not far from Espana Square is the Navarra Street where one can find the building of the Sociedad Bilbaina. It is a very good example of fine 19th century architecture. In close proximity to it are the numerous cafes abounding the area. They have served as the proud venues for animated discussions and exchanges of scholars since the beginning of time and have perseveringly managed to continue the intellectual grandeur and ambiance even until today.
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If one follows the Gran Via and turns right at Alameda Mazarredo, he will arrive at the Albia Gardens. In the heart of the garden lies the San Vicente’s. The church is a late Gothic structure featuring a Renaissance portal. Continuing along the length of Gran Via, one is certain to find several notable buildings. The El Palacio de la Diputacion de Senorio de Vizcaya would have to be unquestionably one of those. It is the palace of the regional government and is conveniently located in the middle of the Gran Via. Its style is creatively diverse and houses several remarkable paintings. Then, at Federico Moyua or more widely known as Eliptica Square, one can find a fountain complimenting a pipe bordered by picturesque gardens. It is where the Chayarri Palace is located. The structure was built in the 19th century, and the colorful arrays and kinds of marble used to build the façade are particularly attention-grabbing. When one reaches the end of the Gran Via, he will find the football grounds of the Athletic de Bilbao Club. It is so widely known that it is termed as the cathedral of football by the fans of the club. Across it are the fair grounds where industrial fairs are conducted.
Sandwiched between the Gran Via and the ria, and almost next to the Sagrado Corazon is the start of the Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park. Considered to be the widest green area in Bilbao, its layout is inspired by the charming English landscapes. Dona Casilda Iturrizar is in close proximity to Deusto Bridge and at the end of the park is the Fine Arts Museum. The museum houses several valuable collections of Dutch, Flemish and Italian paintings and for this reason the museum is regarded as one of the best art galleries in Spain. Of course, its vast collection of art works also includes renowned Spanich painters such as El Greco, Velazquez, Zurbaran, Ribera, Goya, Picasso among others. For the modern arts category, the annex is proud of its vast and essential collection of Basque paintings; Losada, Los Arrue, Arteta, Regoyos, Zuloaga to name some of them. The sculptures of some of the well-known artists like Quintin de la Torre, Nemesio Mogrovejo, Chillida are likewise included.
Because Bilbao has a longstanding tradition of fine arts, it is a certified haven for any art lover. There are several art galleries abounding the city where one can observe and purchase remarkable art works.
Leaving the center of Bilbao and climbing a hill that daintily overlooks the city, one can find the Begona Basilica. It was built in 1588 and serves as the place of worship of the Amatxo of Begona, the patron saint of Vizcaya. On August 15th, it is the venue for a dynamic and joyful romeria, or more familiarly known as a religious festival. The church’s striking feature is its Renaissance main portal. One would also find it interesting to board the train to Artxanda, one of the numerous mountains surrounding Bilbao. From there one can look at the animated city below. However, if one decides to leave the city through the Deusto Bridge, he will surely come across the historic Deusto University founded in 1864 by the Jesuits.
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