Schmap Bilbao Historical Background

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Bilbao - Historical Background
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The sea and the estuary have always been of fundamental importance to Bilbao: they have been responsible for most of the city's transformations and developments and have been the true shapers of Bilbao's history. Long ago, Bilbao was just a village with a tiny port on the right bank of the estuary where there lived fishermen, farmers, and a noble family or two. Nevertheless, the village did enjoy a special status (that of being known as a "Villa"), bestowed upon it in 1300 by the Lord of Biscay Diego López de Haro, known as "the Intruder," in order to protect the port and its first commercial undertakings from the fighting going on among the rivaling lords. But one of the most important privileges given to the city came in 1315 when Alfonso XI had the Camino de Santiago redirected a bit so that Bilbao would fall along the route. From this point on the growth of the city really began to take off, as trading increased with ports in England, the Mediterranean and the North of Europe and the number of shipyards grew as well. By the middle of the fifteenth century Bilbao was flourishing and changing its topography; it was in 1483 when the city increased radically in size and El Arenal emerged.

A Violent History

Unfortunately, Bilbao has seen its share of fighting and war as well: the disturbances of 1631 caused by the state monopoly on salt; the "Matxinada," in 1717, riots caused by the attempt to establish customs houses in the Basque ports (which, thanks to local privilege, had been free of customs up till then); the French occupation; the War of Independence, with another occupation by the French; the First and Second Carlist Wars, where Bilbao (on the side of the liberals due to its business interests) becomes the prime objective; and of course, the Spanish Civil War of 1936.

Nearly Overwhelmed by Industrialization

With the arrival of industrialization in the mid-19th century, a new, none-too-poetic change begins to transform the city. It is reported that during the night one could see from a distance of many kilometers away the fires of the ovens that were forging iron into steel. Industrialization brought rapid growth to the city, both in terms of area and population, all of which resulted in the formation of what we now know as Greater Bilbao, the area encompassing the huge number of inhabitants living along the estuary. These inhabitants, many of which are immigrants from other parts of Spain, make up one of the largest centers of population in the Basque lands. All of this meant that for a long time Bilbao was considered nothing but an industrial area with no touristic interest, a city of smoking chimneys and of an estuary where you could find anything except fish swimming in the water.

Rebirth of the City

But, despite everything, Bilbao has always had a special charm and we can find plenty of traces of former magnificent times, such as the Teatro Arriaga, Hospital Civil de Basurto, the Alhóndiga or the mansions and palaces of Neguri. In the Parque de Doña Casilda, if we use our imagination, we might be able to see the faultless nannies pushing majestic baby carriages, taking their charges for their daily walk. Then there are the many well-known cultural societies, such as "la Bilbaína", or the prestigious Universidad y Escuela Comercial de Deusto. Bilbao has always been an open, cultured and elegant city, one which has blessed us with musicians like Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, authors such as Unamuno, and painters like Zuloaga.

But there's not really so much left of that poor gray Bilbao, abused by industry and ignored by tourists. The crisis of the 80s, which left the whole city depressed and without direction, had the positive effect of obliging the citizens of Bilbao to think of new directions for their town, away from industry and towards other kinds of services. The Bilbao of today is growing in a new direction and, like the phoenix from the flames, it seems to be glowing with a new brilliance. The number of projects which have already been carried out or are currently in the making is astounding. Of course, the most spectacular to date has been the Guggenheim, designed by Frank O. Gehry and classified as one of the most fantastic pieces of avant-garde architecture of the 20th century. This museum, aside from bringing contemporary art right to our front door, has also brought a great number of visitors and tourists to the city. Another important project worth mentioning is the innovative metro line conceived by Norman Foster. Other projects such as bridges, luxury hotels, trams, towers, and the cleaning of the estuary are the new face of a city in change, which is enlightening the spirit of Bilbao's inhabitants, who now see the future with new hope.

But to speak of Bilbao we must speak of its inhabitants. The troubles of the area have not affected the happy character of the locals. A favorite pastime of the Bilbaínos, as the inhabitants of the city are called, is to get together in the "txokos," private gastronomic societies, to indulge in the typical dishes of the area, which are very diverse and absolutely exquisite. Don't be surprised if you hear singing coming from the bars, or roars of "¡GOOOOL!" when the pride of Bilbao, the local football team, scores. Bilbaínos are famous for their hospitality, and a visitor to their land is made to feel at home.

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Arriaga Theatre

Emblematic theatre

Plaza Arriaga, s/n
Bilbao 48005
Spain
+34 94 416 3533 / +34 94 416 3333
http://www.teatroarriaga.com/

Great drama has been performed by some of the country's best actors in this much-loved theatre over the years. Joaquin Ruboca designed the building using the Paris Opera House as a model to which he added some Renaissance touches. Outstanding architectural features include the two polygonal towers, the grand foyer, the mezzanine, the huge windows and the rooftop terrace with views of the river, Arenal and Campo Volantín. The elegantly furnished and sumptuously decorated interior has a magnificent imperial staircase designed by Francisco Hurtado de Saracho. The theatre opened in 1890 and was later named after a young local musician.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Rhys Wynne

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Arriaga Theatre photo by Diego Echeberria Iba

Photo: Diego Echeberria Iba

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Arriaga Theatre photo by Francisco Martins

Photo: Francisco Martins

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Arriaga Theatre photo by Alberto Ceballos

Photo: Alberto Ceballos

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Arriaga Theatre photo by Juan Ramon Peña

Photo: Juan Ramon Peña

Arriaga Theatre photo by J. G. del Sol Cobos

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Arriaga Theatre photo by Lorenzo Solozabal M.

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Basurto Hospital

Bilbao's main hospital Avenida de Montevideo, 18
Bilbao 48013
Spain
+34 94 442 3859
http://www.hospitalbasurto.com... Within the popular district of Bilbao known as Basurto, the Basurto Hospital, opened in 1908, replaced the Hospital de Atxur whose neoclassical building was deemed inadequate after the second Carlist War. The Basurto Hospital, built by the architect, Enrique Epalza, was a hospital design that broke the norm of neoclassical hierarchical organization, combining European fashions and advances of the time. Organized in blocks, the formal expression of the bricks coincides with modernist touches and references to the Viennese architecture of the era. Each block has a medical speciality and functions independently. The Basurto hospital complex was extended years later and new blocks were added that respected the architectural lines that so characterise this famous Bilbaoan hospital.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: irontec

Bilbao Guggenheim Museum

A titanium mirror Abandoibarra, 2
Bilbao 48001
Spain
+1 34 94 435 9080
http://www.guggenheim-bilbao.es Opening in October 1997, it's first exhibit included over 250 examples of cubist, futurist, constructivist and other 20th-century art movements. There's a permanent collection of late 20th-century art featuring more of the century's best creative talents including young Basque and Spanish artists. Frank O. Gerhy designed this complex with its spectacular curtains of glass, stone curves, titanium and glass walls, walkways hanging from the ceiling, transparent elevators and immense open spaces. There's a bookshop, a gift shop, cloakroom, library, restaurant and cafeteria. Admission: EUR 10.50, pensioners and students, EUR 6.50, groups of 20, EUR 9.50, and children 12 and under are free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Bilbao Society

Elegant and exclusively for male Navarra, 1
Bilbao 48001
Spain
Climbing from the the Arenal bridge and walking to the calle Navarra, we come across the distinguished building which has been declared of cultural interest and houses one of the most select private clubs in the Vizcayan capital, created in 1839. In its beginnings, La Sociedad Bilbaína had its headquarters in Plaza Nueva, but in 1913 it moved to its present site. This building with its emblematic facade and large bay windows, was built by Emiliano Amnan. Founded as a place of relaxation and recreation in the purest European style of the time, this magnificent club has one of the most important private libraries in Spain, containing more than 40,000 volumes, including incunabula. This outstanding building is opulently decorated inside, and some of the most important personalities in the areas of economics, finance and culture have passed through its doors. Apart from general club rooms, it has areas for games like chess and billiards. The general public are allowed into its restaurant and English bar. Women cannot become members of the Sociedad Bilbaína. Given the matriarchal nature of Basque society, it is worth respecting the exclusive masculinity of this domain.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Bilbao Society photo by wcities
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Deusto University

One of Spain's most prestigious Avenida de las Universidades, 24
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48007
Spain
+34 94 413 9000
http://www.deusto.es/ The University of Deusto, the educational work of the Jesuits, is situated opposite the Bilbao estuary and the Guggenheim Museum, and it is comprised of various buildings, among which the Deusto Business School stands out. This was built by the architects, Emiliano Amann and José María Basterra, in 1921. It is a building whose facade has neoclassical lines. The building that houses the Deusto school of Literature was built in 1886 by Francisco de Cubas and José María Basterra. The floors are organised from two cloisters in a double trident scheme. In the building's main facade, the classical, romantic and medieval styles are combined. Inside the building the library, chapels and main hall are all worthy of note.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Doña Casilda Park

A breathing space Cerca de Palacio de Congresos Euskalduna
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48011
Spain
+34 944 71 0301 (Informacion Turistica) You'll find this park alongside Bilbao's Gran Vía and you can escape from the traffic to spend some peaceful time walking along the pathways amongst an amazing diversity of majestic trees. It was laid out between 1912 and 1920 along the lines of an English country house gardens and it boasts four ponds. The most popular are the duck pond and the pergola pond, with its spectacular cybernetic fountain that's a veritable sound and light show during the summer. Next door, you can visit the impressive Museo de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum). All parks in Bilbao are open 24 hours a day.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Paseo del Arenal

In Casco Viejo San Nicholas de Bari
Bilbao 48005
Spain
Many sailors reached the banks of this wharf, because of which San Nicolás de Bari (patron saint of sailors) hermitage was built. It was converted into a temple in 1940 and today is perhaps considered one of the best known churches in Bilbao. Pebbled walkways, splendid banana and lime trees, bear witness to the many cultural activities organized in what has been converted into a beautiful and central point in Bilbao's fiestas. From here you can admire the Arriaga Theatre, the oldest in Bilbao.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Bilbao - Historical Background"
Bilbao
Bilbao - Neighborhood Guide
Bilbao - Where to Stay
Bilbao - Dining & Drinking
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Zaragoza (223 miles)
Bordeaux (234 miles)
Madrid (315 miles)
Salamanca (362 miles)
Toledo (396 miles)
Barcelona (425 miles)
Valencia (470 miles)
Montpellier (522 miles)
Marseille (642 miles)
Lyon (648 miles)

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