{"id":673376,"date":"2022-10-29T12:05:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-29T09:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=673376"},"modified":"2024-04-21T03:35:55","modified_gmt":"2024-04-21T00:35:55","slug":"sights-of-bilbao-25-most-interesting-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/sights-of-bilbao-25-most-interesting-places\/","title":{"rendered":"Sights of Bilbao – 25 most interesting places"},"content":{"rendered":"

The amazing ancient port city<\/a> is called the unspoken capital of the Basque Country, it has a unique<\/a> look, unique architectural monuments, and industrial facilities. The sights<\/a> of Bilbao are a mirror reflection of its 800-year-old history<\/a>, mentality, worldview of the Basques. The Nervion River divides the city<\/a> into 2 parts, but the port city with a population of over 350 thousa<\/a>nd inhabitants remains one.<\/p>\n

This fact did not make the inhabitants give up, surrender to the mercy of fate. On the contrary: the Basques saw in the crisis another opportunity for the development<\/a> of small bus<\/a>iness, tour<\/a>ism, trade, and the revival of national crafts.<\/p>\n

Guggenheim Museum<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The branch of the American Museum of Modern Art, created by Solomon Guggenheim, a representative of the billionaire dynasty, resembles a fantastic ship that can surf the oceanic, galactic expanses. The branch is annually visited by hundreds of thousa<\/a>nds of Spanish nationals and tourists<\/a> from all over the world<\/a>. Created in the style of deconstructivism, the building covers 42 thousand square meters, it houses 19 exhibition galleries, whose practical layout is also a kind of masterpiece. The heart of the museum: a 55-metre-high glass and metal inner light court (atrium or atrium).<\/p>\n

Heavy-duty titanium, limestone, glass are the main building materials of the building. The construction of a branch of the American Museum has repeatedly been on the verge of cancellation due to the high cost of the project, public criticism, and bureaucratic obstacles. The work was completed in 1997. The opening ceremony of the building was attended by the Spanish royal family, which caused special attention to the new facility, even among those who did not believe in the success of a grandiose undertaking.<\/p>\n

At any time of the day, the museum is a fascinating mystical spectacle. It entered the history<\/a> of cinema as a place for filming episodes of the blockbusters “The whole world is not enough”, “Men in black”. For romantics, the building symbolizes love, deeds contrary to common sense and incredible success. The father of the founder of the American Museum, Meyer Guggenheim, emigrated in the 19th century with his beloved woman and her 7 children<\/a> from Switzerland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Solomon's parents were denied marriage permission by the local community because of the poverty of the groom (an orphan) and the bride (a widow with many children). After 30 years, the Guggenheim couple became one of the richest people in the New World. Representatives of the dynasty continued the parental tradition of patronage and made Meyer's dream of building a museum in the Old World come true.<\/p>\n

Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for 4 207 RUB<\/a><\/p>\n

Cathedral<\/a> of Saint James<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Art critics call the temple<\/a>: “the triumph of the Gothic”, but in the architecture of the building, stylist<\/a>ic decisions inherent in the Renaissance are noticeable. The area<\/a> of \u200b\u200bthe “house of God” exceeds 1100 square meters. The beginning of the construction of the temple, where access to tour<\/a>ists is open today, is tentatively dated to the XII-XIII centuries. In Catholicism, the honorary title of “minor basilica” indicates the special status of the cathedral.<\/p>\n

It is recognized as a holy place of pilgrimage, where believers, according to the dogmas of Catholicism, receive complete forgiveness of sins, and priests are required to wear special vestments for masses. The history<\/a> of the unique building is connected with biblical events, legends<\/a> about the deeds of the apostles – disciples, followers of Christ. One of them, Jacob, was killed in Jerusalem<\/a>. His relics, according to church traditions<\/a>, miraculously appeared centuries later in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela.<\/p>\n

The path of pilgrims to the shrine passed through the fishing village where Bilbao is located<\/a> today. The locals warmly welcomed the wanderers and built a cathedral in honor of the apostle. Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela were built several centuries after the opening in each of the settlements of temples in honor of James, one of the most revered saints in Spain<\/a>, the patron saint of all who want to forgive enemies before death.<\/p>\n

Campo Volantin Bridge<\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

In guidebooks, the building is often called an architectural miracle. The Basques call it “Sibisuri”, which literally means “White Bridge”. The main materials of the futuristic structure are glass and steel. The bridge over the Nervion River belongs to the category of suspended arched structures. It was put into operation in 1997. The purpose of the construction was to create a safe pedestrian zone from the area where the hotel<\/a>s are located to the Guggenheim Museum.<\/p>\n

Sibisuri looks spectacular at any time of the day, it is a favorite place for selfies, dates for lovers, filming. The impracticality of the bridge constantly causes jokes, criticism from the reside<\/a>nts and city authorities. Large sums are required annually for the maintenance of the facility. One of the cost items: replacement of broken glass tiles due to increased mechanical loads. Tourists<\/a> take the fragments with them as souvenirs<\/a>, and funds from the city treasury again go to repair the affected sections of the structure. In rain and wet weather<\/a>, the bridge is very traumatic because of its famous slippery surface.<\/p>\n

Plaza Nueva<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The cozy square is designed according to the canons of neoclassicism. Its shape is a perfectly aligned rectangle. Construction, arrangement of one of the most comfortable places in the city lasted over half a century. Among the architectural elements of the “New Square” (that's how its name is literally translated) is dominated by columns. Between them are tiny bars, cafes, rest<\/a>aurants. Only Basque music sounds in the establishments, the menu contains traditional festive, everyday dishes of the proud people.<\/p>\n

Plaza Nueva was opened in the middle of the 19th century. It is symbolic that its main building is the palace<\/a>, where the Basque Language Academy is located. The square is the hallmark of the old part of the city. Markets are open on its territory on Sundays. Here you can cheaply buy antiques, products of local craftsmen, books, coins.<\/p>\n

Biscay Bridge<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

“Flying ferry”, “bridge-transport<\/a>er”, “fluttering bridge” are the names of one unique object. It does not have an original style solution, there are no exquisite decorative elements. However, the oldest transporter bridge in Europe is recognized as a popular attraction, an architectural monument of the late 19th century.<\/p>\n

Biscay's “flying ferry” proved to be a role model in the Old and New Worlds. The facility is fully operational in the 21st century. The bridge was closed only during the Spanish Civil War. After the fighting, it was repaired and continues to delight lovers of heights. The central span of the bridge (more than 160 meters long) hangs on metal cables at a height of 45 meters.<\/p>\n

Every 8 minutes, a gondola with passengers and car<\/a>s “leaves for a flight”. The journey from one coast to the other takes 1.5 minutes. In the double 61-meter supporting towers of the bridge on the banks of the Nervion River, after the reconstruction, elevators appeared, parts of the platform at a height of 50 meters became super popular viewing platforms with the townspeople and tourists.<\/p>\n

Basque Museum<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The history<\/a> of the amazing people living in the north<\/a>ern part<\/a> of Spain<\/a>, the provinces of neighboring France, is fraught with many secrets<\/a>. Where did the ancestors of modern Basques come from? Why are the language, traditions, customs not similar to European ones? There is a hypothesis: the Basques are direct descendants of the Atlanteans. The version is hard to believe for skeptics, but in the 5th century BC, local residents possessed unique stone processing technologies, erection of defense structures, construction of sea<\/a> ships and boats.<\/p>\n

The opening of the museum in the first quarter of the 20th century caused a new round of interest<\/a> in the history of the Basques. It all started with a small municipal cultural center<\/a>. The city authorities provided the enthusiasts with the buildings of the Jesuit school (some sources call it a college) and a nearby church, whose construction dates back to the 17th century.<\/p>\n

There is no analogue of the museum collection anywhere in the world. Weapons, family coats of arms, women's adornments, furniture, pottery, tools, clothes of rural and urban residents, handwritten books, manuscripts, fragments of ancient dwellings and ships restore<\/a>d by restorers\u2026 – many exhibits exist in single copies. The number of items in the funds, according to official data, exceeds 200 thousand units.<\/p>\n

Church of St. Anthony<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The temple is located near the mouth of the river and the bridge of the same name. The image of the church is on the coat of arms of the city. The erection and consecration of the Gothic building are tentatively dated to the 15th century, but the facade is decorated exclusively according to the canons of the Renaissance. After 300 years, a baroque bell tower was built next to the church. She became the finishing touch of the temple complex<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Once on the site of these buildings there was an exchange, a royal palace, part of the wall that protected the area during floods. Historical documents and surviving fragments of the foundation testify to past buildings. The building did not immediately take on a modern look, it was often completed, changes were made to the interior decoration. The church has preserved statue<\/a>s of Christ, St. Anthony, images of the Virgin Mary, sculptures of the apostles Peter and Paul, created in the XV-XVII centuries.<\/p>\n

The body, established at the beginning of the 20th century, operates today. Among the temple relics, paintings and statues of the 20th century occupy a worthy place. They emphasize the special atmosphere of the ancient building, reminiscent of the eternal questions of life at all times. Saint Anthony is considered the heavenly patron of travel<\/a>ers, shepherds, newlyweds. In Catholicism, he is revered as a Doctor of the Church, whose mercy and meekness have become proverbial. The townspeople call the temple in honor of the apostle one of the main shrines of the city.<\/p>\n

Basilica of Our Lady of Begogna<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The Virgin Mary is revered as the patroness of sailors. Basque temples dedicated to her have always sought to be erected in every coastal settlement. Bilbao is no exception. The architecture of the building is closely intertwined Gothic and Renaissance. The 16th century is called the time of consecration of the built basilica. The interior of the temple is austere. The heart of the basilica: an altar that shines with gold and a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n

It is to her that pilgrims from different parts of Spain rush every day in the hope of miraculous help, healing, forgiveness of sins. For Catholics, whose life is connected with the fleet, fishing, water travel<\/a>, this is a special place. The construction of the temple lasted over 100 years. Later, changes were made to its architecture.<\/p>\n

The bell tower was built in the 19th century, after 100 years the facade was restored, some bells were replaced. During its history, the basilica survived robberies, fires, bombings, but masses did not stop even during the years of the Spanish Civil War. The number 7 is considered lucky by sailors. That is how many melodies are called by the bells of the renovated temple.<\/p>\n

To Alondi<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Is it possible to turn an old building into a chic entertainment complex while retaining the unique architecture<\/a> of the former? “Aliondiga” is the answer to a question that the Basques do not consider rhetorical. Here you can, forgetting about everything in the world, lead the whole day and not notice how time has flown by.<\/p>\n

A chic building at the beginning of the 19th century was erected to store wine, barrels and other containers. After 70 years, its area was not enough for the full functioning of the warehouse, the question arose of the demolition of the building. The building was saved by its unique architecture, thanks to which the warehouse looks like a castle<\/a> or a cathedral. Restoration work allowed to preserve the historical appearance of the facade, the original interior layout.<\/p>\n

The building today houses restaurants, bars, exhibition galleries. On the territory of the complex, which has been functioning since 1999, there is a library and an auditorium. A favorite place for visitors to relax<\/a>: the roof, where the swimming pool with a glass floor is located. An important part of the interior of the building: 43 miracle columns. Each of them is not like the others and at the same time is part of a single style solution.<\/p>\n

Museum of Fine Arts<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The Basques jokingly and seriously call the city a paradise for the ministers of the muses. The Museum of Fine Arts has a collection of unique classical and contemporary pieces. At present, it is increasing due to new sections, including those dedicated to the art of the ancient Etruscans.<\/p>\n

When placing the main expositions, the principle of chronology is always observed. In the spacious halls you can see<\/a> the works of Gauguin, Murillo, Serusier, Coelho, Zurbaran, Chillido… One of the 3 main exhibition departments is dedicated exclusively to the works of Basque artists, sculptors, masters of applied art.<\/p>\n

The museum, by Europe<\/a>an standards, is young. In 2008, the building turned 100 years old. As a result of the successfully completed reconstruction, the recreation area for visitors was increased here, additional exposition areas were prepared, new halls for film screenings and presentations. Thanks to the redevelopment, the conditions for storing museum funds were improved.<\/p>\n

Euskalduna Palace<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Erected at the end of the 20th century, the building looks like a ship, which is symbolic for the architecture of the city. The palace is a popular concert venue, a favorite vacation<\/a> spot for citizens, a conference center<\/a> and a building where the city parliament sits. Architectural and planning solutions made it possible to place various establishments on the territory of one object without causing a feeling of disharmony among visitors.<\/p>\n

The building with a total area of \u200b\u200b25,000 square meters houses a shopping<\/a> gallery, restaurants, concert and exhibition halls. The height of the palace exceeds 50 meters. Among the Basques, it awakens nostalgia for the good old days, when shipyards for the construction of sea<\/a> ships brought income to the city.<\/p>\n

Moya Square<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

This is how foreign tourists and citizens call Federico Mouya Square for short. Its traditional European layout only emphasizes the splendor of neighboring buildings. The square is visited to admire the flowers, alleys, and an unusual fountain. Next to it is the Carlton Hotel, whose unique architecture delights with a harmonious combination of aristocracy and luxury. The history of the building is connected with the names of great scientists, writers, artists, composers who stayed in it.<\/p>\n

Donja-Casilda de Iturrisar Park<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The history of one of the most beautiful recreational areas of the city dates back to 1920. The park covers about 9 hectares. His landscape solutions can be called traditional: they fully comply with the English canons. Neat lawns, benches, a pond where you can feed ducks and swans – this is a “classic of the genre.” Singing fountains, peacocks walking<\/a> along the alleys, small cafes, a carousel with horses only enhance the feeling of cozy antiquity.<\/p>\n

The territory provides separate places for mass events, family picnics, so as not to interfere with other visitors to enjoy the silence, comfortable measured rest. The land plot was presented to the beloved city by an amazing woman, whose name the park bears. In memory of Dona Casilda, as a sign of respect and gratitude, a bronze bust of her was erected next to the main fountain.<\/p>\n

Maritime Museum<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Until 1984, the Euskalduna shipyard was located on the site of the building. It was closed when the region's ship repair industry went into decline. The special attitude of the Basques to their history gave the territory of abandoned port buildings a new life. The shipyard has turned into a museum with a total exhibition area of \u200b\u200b27,000 square meters. Unique exhibits are located outdoors and in the new building. The layout of the museum provides for the permanent functioning of 3 thematic sections.<\/p>\n

In the first one you can get acquainted with information about the nature and geological structure of the Bay of Biscay, in the second – with the history of the economic development of the north of Spain. The third section is devoted to shipbuilding and ship repair technologies. Museum staff conduct active research activities. One of its results was the restored consular felucca.<\/p>\n

The exhibit, popular with tourists and locals, is an exact copy of the old ship of the Basque ambassadors. The wooden elements of the felucca decoration are recreated according to old engravings. Her ceremonial decoration strikes with luxury. However, we should not forget: these maneuverable ships posed a serious danger<\/a> to large ships. Cannons were mounted on feluccas. The sailors were ready to take the fight at any moment.<\/p>\n

La Ribera Market<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The history of the market began long before 1929, the official date of its construction. At this place 800 years ago there were shopping<\/a> arcades. The fairs were popular with Spanish and French merchants. Today, the three-storey covered market of La Ribera covers an area of \u200b\u200b10,000 square meters. In its form, it is more like a ship-palace. The impression of solemnity is enhanced by bright colored stained-glass windows on the windows. The market is recognized as the largest among such structures in Europe.<\/p>\n

On its shelves – only fresh products: fish, meat, herbs, vegetables, fruits<\/a>. The restaurant and numerous gastrobars offer traditional Basque cuisine. Jazz concerts in La Ribera are insanely popular with fans of this musical genre. The market simultaneously functions as a leisure center, whose program is not limited to culinary shows, master classes from leading chefs, and tastings.<\/p>\n

Funicular in Archangel<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

It takes 3 minutes to get to the top of the mountain of the same name by funicular cable car. The view from the observation deck is amazing. For the sake of it, about 600 thousand people annually come to this beautiful place. On the mountain there is a unique park, an elite hotel, a sports complex, a golf club, and several restaurants. The funicular has been operating since 1915. The cable car stopped functioning only during the Spanish Civil War.<\/p>\n

Arriaga Theater<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Arriaga's works echo those of Mozart's masterpieces. The young Basque in some way repeated the fate of the idol. He was born on a day when an Austria<\/a>n colleague could have celebrated 50 years. Sacred music, symphonies, cantatas, operas – everything by Juan Arriaga is permeated with the triumph of harmony, lightness, light sadness. The composer seemed to have a presentiment: he had little left. Arriaga did not live to be 20 years old. The Basques immortalized the memory of a talented countryman in the name of the opera house, built at the end of the 19th century. The building was created according to the neo-baroque canons, outwardly reminiscent of Paris<\/a>ian theaters, on whose stage the young composer dreamed of staging operas.<\/p>\n

San Mames Stadium<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The old football stadium of the same name existed in the city for about 100 years. It got its name in honor of the nearby temple. The new (also of the same name) sports facility was built in 3 years, its opening took place in 2013. The main materials of the building: heavy-duty metal, glass. They form a “scaly structure” that shines in the darkness of the night like a huge fairy-tale lamp.<\/p>\n

More than 53,000 people can be in the stadium at the same time. It remains today the home arena of the Athletic Bilbao football club, whose museum is located on 3 floors of the building – part of the San Mames sports complex. The new stadium is recognized by experts as one of the best such facilities in the world.<\/p>\n

Church of St. Nicholas<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The temple is located on the banks of the river, which is very symbolic for the church in honor of the heavenly patron of sailors and fishermen. The construction of the building dates back to the 16th century. It has not been preserved in its original form. To protect the Basque shrine from floods, the height of the basement was significantly increased. The architecture, layout, exterior and interior decoration of the temple are fully consistent with the canons of the Baroque. The main relics of the church: sculptures of saints and a carved altar.<\/p>\n

city \u200b\u200bhall building<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Among the architectural monuments there are many reminiscent of royal palaces. City Hall can be safely attributed to such a group. Architects call it the standard of European elegance and eclecticism. Strict forms, symmetry, arches, columns of various sizes and purposes, balconies form a single harmonious ensemble. The building was built at the end of the 19th century.<\/p>\n

Train<\/a> station Concordia<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The station is located in the central part of the city. Such a dislocation of large railway stations is a European urban tradition of the era of industrialization. Erected at the beginning of the 20th century, the modernist building was Bilbao's hallmark for several decades. Nearby is the Abando railway station, whose five-story station impresses with its scale, huge stained-glass windows, modern infrastructure, and passenger traffic indicators. However, the value of the Concordia station, which is still functioning to this day, is different: the architects and restorers managed to preserve the unique bright facade, clock, colored tiles, hand-forged elements of the building.<\/p>\n

Iberdrola Tower<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The skyscraper is named after its owner, one of the largest European companies. The 41-storey tower differs from similar buildings in its eclectic style solution, where high-tech and modern elements are harmoniously combined. An architectural wonder created from glass and concrete<\/a>. More than 33 thousand people can stay in the building at the same time. The first 3 floors are occupied by cafes, restaurants, shops, exhibition halls, sports halls, medical and cosmetology rooms, premises intended for rent.<\/p>\n

There is an observation deck on the 25th floor, from where a magnificent view of the port city opens at any time of the day. The construction of the skyscraper began in 2010 and was completed in record time: in 2 years. The tower simultaneously serves as a cultural and leisure center. The company “Iberdrola” annually allocates funds to support the arts. On the ground floor of the skyscraper, there is an exhibition of works by famous Basque sculptors and artists on a permanent basis.<\/p>\n

University of Deusto<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

The history of the educational institution dates back to the Jesuit University, built near the Nervion River in the 19th century. Deusto alumni have made a huge contribution to the industrial development of the region. One of the two campuses of the university is located in Bilbao, which since its opening has remained the most prestigious institution in Spain. The university is named after the urban area of \u200b\u200bDeusto. The first business school of the kingdom functioned within the walls of this building.<\/p>\n

During the Spanish Civil War, most universities<\/a> were closed. Such a fate did not escape Deusto, where by the beginning of the 40s the government had placed a military base, a hospital, and a concentration<\/a> camp. During the Second World War, classes were resumed, and the leadership of the educational institution headed for the active involvement of students in research activities.<\/p>\n

Over 200 universities located in different parts of the world cooperate today with the Basque University. The structure of “Deusto” includes various institutes, colleges, schools (including language ones). The educational institution successfully combines innovative approaches and European scientific traditions. The Basque university was one of the first in the Old World to introduce a system of open distance education, student employment, so that they could pay rent.<\/p>\n

The university performs the functions of an educational, cultural center. One of the most important attractions<\/a> of the campus: a 10-story library built in the 21st century. A special place in the activities of the university is occupied by support, socialization of the disabled, providing citizens with disabilities with access to education.<\/p>\n

city \u200b\u200bhall<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

Its history begins in the 19th century. The building is located on the territory of the monastery and together with its buildings forms a single architectural ensemble. Due to hostilities, part of the city administration was destroyed, sculptures, decorative elements made using ancient technologies, a bell tower, and original interior items were damaged.<\/p>\n

Restoration work partially corrected the situation. However, the town hall could no longer fully function as a public institution. The administration moved to a new building, and the city authorities lease the premises of the old building to companies<\/a>, museums, restaurants, museums, and individuals.<\/p>\n

The old town hall hosts exhibitions of Basque artists, concerts, creative meetings. The most popular of its rooms: the famous Arab Hall – the place of official receptions, awards, wedding celebrations. As the Basques joke: “it is booked for years ahead.” This has its own truth, because not everyone can rent a hall – because of the busy schedule of social events.<\/p>\n

Old quarter “7 streets”<\/h2>\n

\"Sights<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the most popular pedestrian zones appeared relatively recently – in 1979. The history of the area where the old quarter is located has more than 7 centuries. It is often called magic<\/a>al, magical, mystical. The Basques believe in the miraculous power of the number 7, that it brings success to trading endeavors.<\/p>\n

Naturally, the pedestrian zone is a commercial center with a unique historical atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world. The area began with 3 streets. Later, the fortress walls were demolished – they made it difficult to expand. Fragments of the oldest defensive structures have not been preserved. However, historians suggest that local residents used the fragments of the fortress walls for buildings on the remaining 4 streets of the quarter.<\/p>\n

It is likely that this is so, because the Basques have always been distinguished by ingenuity, thriftiness, and practicality. The desire to use resources carefully, to look for and find new opportunities for the development of Bilbao among the townspeople, is probably laid down at the genetic level.<\/p>\n

Attractions<\/a> in Bilbao on the map<\/a><\/h2>\n