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 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: Ben Bore  |
 Photo: peter boer |
 Photo: Diego Echeberria Iba |
 Photo: aritzgarate |
 Photo: Francisco Martins |
 Photo: Digital Owl |
 Photo: Alberto Ceballos |
 Photo: urko2 |
 Photo: Juan Ramon Peña |
 Photo: J. G. del Sol Cobos |
 Photo: donkeydesope |
 Photo: lostinbilbao |
 Photo: Luis Gomez |
 Photo: maria elcoro-iribe |
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Oldest bank building in city |
Plaza de San Nicolás, 8 Bilbao 48005 Spain +34 94 479 4840 |
On one side of San Nicolas church, near the El Arenal byway, is found the bank building considered the oldest in the Vizcayan capital, the "Banco de Bilbao". It is a building in the French style, with a combination of classical and Baroque lines, built between 1868 and 1898, which started out in business in 1857 at its original headquarters in Viuda de Epalza street. The result today is a beautiful building whose interior is worth a visit in order to admire the central courtyard and impressive and fabulous staircase leading to the first floor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Javier ME |
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Up and Away |
Esperanza, 6 Bilbao 48005 Spain |
Situated in La Esperanza street, just behind San Nicolas de Bari church, the Begona elevator stands out within the urban aesthetic of Bilbao's old quarter (Casco Viejo). Built in 1949 by the architect Rafael Frontan this unusual means of transport takes us from the lowest to the highest point of the city in a very short time. We can take advantage of this trip to go to the Basilica or Our Lay of Begona or look over to Echevarria. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Thousands of books to consult |
Bidebarrieta, 4 Bilbao 48005 Spain bidebarrieta@ayto.bilbao.net |
This eclectically designed building, built by Severino Achucarro in 1888, was initially home to the historic and liberal Society called "El Sitio". That was until 1937, when it was taken over by General Franco's government and later sold to the Bilbao Council. Its ballroom, today a lecture hall, located on the top floor, regularly hosts concerts and conferences. Opposite this area is a place called The Daily Life Room, which houses all the very latest publications. On the floor below is found the main study and reference room, next to a smaller one used for exhibitions. This library, through whose doors some of the most renowned personalities of European cultural life have passed, is not out of touch with modern times and has a computer room on the ground floor which anyone can use freely to surf the net. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: wcities |
 Artistic and informative exhibitions |
Pelota, 10 Bilbao 48005 Spain +34 94 423 6098 |
This cultural centre, located in what was once the stock exchange or Palacio Yohn in the heart of the old quarter, has been dedicated to organising various artistic and informative exhibits since it opened in 1993. Some of these exhibits have included paintings, photography, work by the Association of Basque Watercolour Artists, Friends of the Artistic Reproduction Museum in Bilbao, crafts by the Association of Emay Women, informative panels about Euskadi (Basque Country) - Cuba Association, photos of Ecuador and panels and photos related to peace or the environment. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 16th century Cathedral |
Plaza Santiago, 1 Bilbao 48005 Spain +34 94 415 3627 |
This Cathedral was constructed in the 16th century, but the exact date is uncertain. What is known is that at that time it could be seen from any street in the city, with the cloister on the west and the porch on the north west. Times change, however, and it is now somewhat hidden behind new buildings. It could be considered the foundation stone on which Bilbao was built, as the seven streets of the old city converged at the Cathedral, which dates back to the time of St. James, before the city was built. The Cathedral is located in the Plaza de Santiago, which shares its name. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daniel Lobo |
 Photo: Gregorio Perez Aguilera |
 Photo: Julio Arrieta |
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Local church |
Plaza de la Encarnación, s/n Bilbao 48006 Spain |
The Church of the Incarnation is located in the old part of the city, where farmers growing vegetables and the local chacoli wine grape used to thrive. It was also once the gateway to the Way of St. James. Construction was started by local people in the 16th century (precise date unknown). It was at first a little monastery in the Calle Somera, housing 29 monks, who moved to the Convento de la Encarnacion, in Atxuri. The building was completed in 1523, but was not at first accepted by the the secular clergy nor the nobility of Bilbao. You can visit the church and hear Mass there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Combined chapel, convent and school |
Esperanza, s/n Bilbao 48005 Spain |
As its name suggests, this building was originally a convent belonging to Augustinian nuns, located on the outskirts of Bilbao, which has not changed, and has been maintained in excellent condition. The surroundings have changed, however. It is a rectangular shape which becomes L-shaped by the Begoña steps. It is currently a convent and school, with a chapel and internal gardens, which still have their original stone. It can be reached by taking some steps from the Calle de la Esperanza up to the first floor of the convent. There are no Masses there at the moment, but there are still some services in the chapel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Interesting spot in Casco Viejo |
Del Perro, s/n Bilbao 48005 Spain |
Leaving the small square of the Catedral de Santiago and coming into Bidebarrieta street, on the left-hand side is found one of the most interesting corners in the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter): la Fuente del Perro (the Dog Fountain). This unusual and at the same time beautiful fountain, from which the street in which it is situated is named, got its name from the resemblance the three small lions that adorn its spouts bear to dogs. Conserved as one of the many fountains traditionally found in this urban centre, the Fuente del Perro, neoclassical in style with three half point arches, stands out for its drinking trough, built to resemble a paleo-Christian sarcophagus. The calle Perro (Perro Street), one of the most typical 'poteo' (social wine drinking) areas in Bilbao, has a plaque showing the level the water reached when the estuary flooded in 1983. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dystopos |
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Full of activity |
Ribera 20, Bajo Bilbao 48005 Spain |
The housewife's favourite, this colourful fresh produce market sells meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and other local goods. The locals believe it's the world's biggest covered market and there's a commemorative plaque at the main door that makes just such an ambitious claim. It was designed by Pedro Ispizua and you'll find it opposite Calle Ribera by San Antón Bridge where Plaza Vieja once was. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Church and cultural centre |
Plaza de la Merced, s/n Bilbao 48005 Spain |
This building was formerly a convent located on the left bank of the river, near a bridge and a street of the same name, La Merced. It stopped being a place of worship because it was in such a bad state of repair. In 1989 it was turned into a public building by the Bilbao city council. The following year it became a multi-purpose cultural centre, giving it some importance as a provider of culture along with the Teatro Arriaga and others. It also has daily Masses. It is a Baroque building, which has had a lot of work done on it. Upstairs is now the headquarters of the department responsible for restoring the old part of the city, and the downstairs is used for theatrical performances and cultural activities. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Well-known classical sculpture |
Conde Mirasol, s/n Bilbao 48003 Spain +34 94 415 7673 |
Created in 1927, this old museum exhibits full-size reproductions of original sculptures in plaster, of some of the best known works in the history of Art. The collections range from Ancient Art (Mesopotamic and Egyptian civilisations) to Classic Art (ancient Greek, Classical, Helenic and Renaissance). The museum is well-known among artists and painters in Bilbao, as a lot of them have been there for drawing, painting and modelling lessons from Manu, dubbed 'El Ruso', who needs no introduction. The museum also has a video library and a photographic laboratory. In the audiovisual room you can learn to sculpt using the 'grafting' method. Admission: Adults EUR 3; students and groups EUR 1,50; children under 10 and seniors free. Free entry every Thursday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A look at Basque Country's roots |
Cruz,4 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain +34 94 415 5423 http://www.euskal-museoa.org museoa@euskal-museoa.org |
A good way to get to know a community is buy investigating its roots. This museum, commonly known as the Basque Museum, is the right place for this endeavour. The permanent collection is dedicated to Prehistoric times and Archaeology in Vizcaya province and the Ethnography and History of the Basque Country. In the Pre-History section, special emphasis is placed on the ancient world of trade, old tools, early fabric-weaving, ceramics, weapon making and furniture. The Basque Sea hall is livened up by fun sound effects: shrill seagulls and furious waves. The Pastoral Culture hall, with bleating sheep and clanging cowbells in the background, will take you back in time. Finally, the Consulate hall, has an incredible model of the entire Vizcaya region. The museum also organises temporary exhibits. In the shop you will find books, traditional Basque music and reproductions of items. Admission: Adults EUR 3; students and groups EUR 1,50; seniors and children under 10 free. Free entry for everyone on Thursday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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City's main water thoroughfare |
Rio de Bilbao Bilbao 48005 Spain |
Considered a vital thoroughfare in this industrial and commercial city, the Nervión estuary has been one of the fundamental driving forces in Bilbao's economic and historical development: quays, buildings, warehouses, factories, steelworks, all sprung up on either bank shaping an industrial landscape some 14 kilometres in length along the river's route. Today little of this development remains. In the great transformation from industrial city to a city based on services that has taken shape in Bilbao, the Nervión or Ibaizabal estuary has played a part, with two of the city's most emblematic buildings today having been been built on one of its banks: the Guggenheim Museum and the Palacio de Congresos y de la Música, or Palacio Euskalduna. The cleaning of this estuary of great character and personality will in the future allow it to shine again in all its splendour and once again occupy the place it so deserves in the town's life. A speedy trip across the bridges that mark the estuary take us from its most distant past to the very present. Setting out from the symbolic San Antón bridge, the most recent bridge we come across is the one next to the Palacio de Euskaldena, from which it takes its name. It is a modern metal structure with a roofed walkway for pedestrians. Today visitors can sail in the Nervión in a boat called the Pil-Pil, in a trip that starts off at the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao and ends at the Abra port in Getxo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jose Angel Morente |
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Old wash-house in modernist style |
Castaños, 11 Bilbao 48007 Spain |
Situated in the well-known Castaños district, just behind the beautiful Campo Volantín and on one of the Plaza de Funicular's corners, is the Mercado Antiguo (Old Market). Built by Ricardo Bastida in 1910 and clearly in the modernist style, this building that is now a market was once a wash-house. Before it was common for houses to have running water there were many wash-houses in the villages. In Bilbao, next to the Castaños market, there survives one in the calle Alameda San Mamés, built by the same architect in 1905 with the same Catalan modernist characteristics. This historic building sees daily frenetic commercial activity with the coming and going of people doing there shopping there. It is a building that contributes to the symbolism of the district, and one whose facade stands out for its perfect combination of brick and tile work. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Commercial variety |
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain |
Narrow winding streets, small squares and neighborhoods comprise this charming district that buzzes with activity every day of the year. As the heart of the old town, this area dates back to 1300 and in 1972 was recogized in statute as having great historical and cultural importance. After the disastrous floods in 1983 much of the district was rebuilt and improved. The Plaza Nueva, Plaza Miguel de Unamuno and Santiago Cathedral are particularly deserving of a visit, as are the many independently-owned boutiques that offer shoppers a wealth of choices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Pritchard |
 Photo: Beltza Scene Vol.3 |
 Photo: Jesús Gorriti |
 Photo: | *anabel | |
 Photo: Alberto Alvarez-Pere |
 Photo: StaneStane |
 Photo: Max Naylor |
 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 |
 Photo: Josu Garro Mezo |
 Photo: cesar |
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Terraces, bars, shops and markets |
Cerea Arenal puente Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain |
Behind its arches you'll find the city's most popular meeting places: bars and cafeterias that have a lively atmosphere at all times of day. It's best in summer when you can sit outside on the terraces, or on Sunday mornings when the travelling market comes to town. Come on December 21 for the most colourful traditional market of all - Mercado Rural de Santo Tomás. It's a splendid example of neoclassical-style architecture built during the 18th and 19th centuries with columns and 63 arches supporting three floors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carmen Martín |
 Photo: P.L. Gomez Barrondo |
 Photo: peter duchek |
 Photo: lindatxikiakalea |
 Photo: PP |
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A focal point in Bilbao |
Near Sombrereria Street Bilbao 48005 Spain + 34 944 70 1301 informacion@bilbaoturismo.bilbao.net |
It is a vital space named after one of the most significant figures within the world of literature and philosophy to have come out of Bilbao. Unamuno was born in one of the properties still preserved in popular Ronda street, near the square. Perched on top of a large column, the statue of this great Bilbaoan author - the work of Victoriano Macho - observes the daily coming and going of people. The past and the present live together in this square - close to Calzadas de Mallona - from where the roads might take us to La Cruz street, with the impressive grouping of Santos Juanes church and its cloister with the premises of the Museum of Archaeology, Ethnography and Basque History. We can also move off towards Iturribide street, one of the most typical bar areas, that becomes a recreational focal point for youngsters at weekends. During Bilbao's Semana Grande (Big Week Festival), this square is taken over for concerts and other activities planned for these popular fiestas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Bilbao's most emblematic |
Iglesia de San Anton Bilbao 48005 Spain |
The city of Bilbao, an obligatory stopping point for merchants, depended for many years solely on this bridge which today bears little resemblance to the one featured on the coat of arms - hump shaped with three arches and sidings where a toll was extracted. The repeated floods in the city made successive reforms necessary, though its original image was still preserved until the end of the 19th century when, due to the impossibility of its coping with the sheer weight of traffic, a new bridge was built. Next to today's bridge, dating from after the Civil War, is San Antón church, both structures typical landmarks in Bilbao. From San Antón bridge we can travel to the popular district of Atxuri and Bilbao La Vieja. Alternatively, we can go through la Ribera into the streets of the Casco Viejo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lorena a.k.a. Loretahur |
 Photo: Inazio Malanda |
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In the shield of Bilbao |
Rivera, 24 Bilbao 48006 Spain +34 94 415 4262 |
This church is located in the Plaza de los Santos Juanes, and is one of the monuments within Bilbao's coat of arms. It has its origins in a religious act which took place on 5th August 1433 in the Temple of San Antonio Abad, patron saint of farmers. It is a Castilian Gothic style monument with a porch containing Renaissance features and a Baroque bell tower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Iván Duque |
 Photo: sam ross-gower |
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Patron saint of sailors |
Esperanza, 1 Bilbao 48005 Spain |
A humble little hermitage was built between the river and the old city in a fishing area as a sign to sailors that the city was not far away. The hermitage was dedicated to Saint Nicolas de Bari, patron saint of sailors. In the 15th century, thanks to funding from the people of Bilbao, construction began on another church in the Arenal, very close to the Teatro Arriaga, which is pure Baroque with very decorative towers. The church contains sculptures by Juan Pascual de Mena, of the Spanish Academy in Madrid. Masses: 11.30am, Mon-Fri; 6p Sat; noon & 1pm Sun. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cortney Easterwood |
 Photo: Maialen |
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Monumental and urban character |
Bailén, 2 Bilbao 48003 Spain |
Situated just opposite the Arriaga theatre, the Santander Railway Station is one of the clearest examples of the Ensanche plan. This was carried out in Bilbao at the end of the 19th century and made the city a place of contrasts where the old (Casco Viejo) met with the new (El Ensanche - suburban development). This station was opened in 1902, although its design was the work of Severino Achúcarro in 1898. It has a curious composition, with the station on top of a hall which is crossed by a viaduct. It is a structure inspired by the first English stations of the time. Subjected to various restyling, the most recent undertaken by the architect, Yago Bonet Correa, the recuperation of original features has been sought, as well as the incorporation of new facilities such as the exhibition hall and cafeteria situated in the vestibule. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Roman Sainz |
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Church where seven streets meet |
La Cruz, 4 Bilbao 48006 Spain |
This church is located in the Calle de la Cruz which used to be the street where all the other streets in the old part of the city converged. It was built in 1614, and was designed by Martinez Ibañez de Zalbidea. The style of this artistic monument is Biscayan Baroque, and the materials used were sandstone carved by stonemasons. It was restored in 1964. The main aim of building the church was to establish a base for a Jesuit foundation in Bilbao. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 The best municipal services |
Pelota, 10 Bilbao 48005 Spain |
Built in 1927, basically in the Baroque style, this urban palace adapts its trapezoidal floor to a corner of what was the old wall surrounding the old quarter. Refurbished by the architects, Pedro María Basañez and Alberto Sanz after its acquisition by the Council of Bilbao, in the interior what stands out is the free design of the levels, twisting around a small central triangular courtyard which becomes the main feature of the building. Among the many services offered today by this civic centre are the Women's Centre, the Environment Centre, the congress and exhibition halls. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |