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 Everything about puppetry |
Barrainkua, 5 Bilbao 48009 Spain +34 94 424 4934 |
This cultural centre houses within its walls an interesting treasure: The City Puppetry Arts Centre. The aim of this social centre is to promote puppetry theatre, and it sponsors various services and activities: It has a permanent collection of more than 300 puppets with a wide range of styles, origins and fabrication techniques. At the same time, it sponsors two temporary exhibitions every year on puppets or related subjects. They also have an impressive archive on puppetry arts and they organise seminars, round-table discussions, conferences and small theatre productions, as well as workshops on creating and developing puppets. Some of the other activities worth noting include, the poster competitions for the Bilbao Carnaval and the Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) or Big Week festival which are on display in the exhibition hall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 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 |
 Photo: Christian Westphalen |
 Photo: tunguska  |
 Photo: Diego Lafuente |
 Photo: Andy Gilham |
 Photo: Albert Sarlé Puig |
 Photo: Noemí García |
 Photo: Mr~Poussnik |
 Photo: Louis Montestrucq |
 Photo: mrithail |
 Photo: Álvaro Ibáñez |
 Photo: Robert-Jan Geerts |
 Photo: Senador Jaraiz |
 Photo: Pablo Pérez |
 Photo: Claudia Wermelinger |
 Photo: Jorge |
 Photo: David Holmstrand |
 Photo: xurde |
 Photo: Nikolai Ormazablev |
 Photo: Samuel Negredo |
 Photo: Alexander Malov |
 Photo: Fermin Uribetxebarria - mcfer2k |
 Photo: Emilio Vanni |
 Photo: encontrado.es |
 Photo: Jean-Marc Miraillès |
 Photo: Frenji's Adventures |
 Photo: Hagen Schmidt |
 Photo: Uselio |
 Photo: E. B. Sylvester |
 Photo: kavinder singh |
 Photo: ToNi P.S. |
 Photo: Angelo Gambelunghe |
 Photo: Wouter Jans |
 Photo: Angelo Andreetto |
 Photo: Ioseba |
 Photo: Stuart Livingstone |
 Photo: craig_allan_smith |
 Photo: Pablo Giacone |
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First-class art gallery |
Plaza del Museo, 2 Bilbao 48011 Spain +34 94 439 6060 http://www.museobilbao.com/ |
It houses one of Spain's most important modern art collections that includes work by the best Basque painters along with an excellent display of Gothic art, fine examples of the Dutch and Flemish schools. The museum also hosts classical music concerts and its cinema offers a programme of Spanish and foreign language films. You'll find it in the midst of the peaceful and pretty Doña Casilda Park. Admission: EUR 5 for Adults, EUR 4 for students, and children under 12 are free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lezuck |
 Photo: Bruno Monteiro |
 Photo: Bruno Monteiro |
 Government in the royal palace |
Plaza Moyua, s/n Bilbao 48009 Spain |
Among the notable buildings around the Plaza Moyúa, halfway down Bilbao's Gran Vía, is the Palacio de Chávarri. This is a beautiful building by Belgian architect, Paul Ankar, constructed in 1889 as a commission for businessman, Víctor Chávarri, who wanted it as a residence. The Palacio de Chávarri is built in a Flemish neorealist style, and is considered one of the most unusual examples of its kind in the city. The combination of colours and formal features result in a beautiful building that today houses the Gobierno Civil de Vizcaya (Biscay Civil Government). Stunning windows, balconies, gables, staircases and pointed garrets form an interesting structure which deserves to be admired. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: sara mattiace |
 Photo: Juanita Vasquez de G |
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State-of-the-art theatre |
Abandoibarra, 4 Bilbao 48011 Spain +34 94 403 5000 |
A symbolic representation of Bilbao's industrial heritage, this conference and concert hall built in 1999 looks like huge rusting metal ship and it stands on the site of the old Euskalduna shipyards. It holds 2200 spectators and offers state-of-the-art facilities and services for performers and the viewing public. The acoustics are excellent as is the seating, so you're sure to enjoy any of the operas, ballets and concerts organized throughout the year. In addition, there are bars, cafes, restaurants, private dining rooms, panoramic terrace, a lake and a car-park for 500 vehicles. You'll find it between Euskalduna bridge and the Museo Guggenheim. Check their website for the current performance schedule. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adam Honig |
 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 |
 Photo: David Perez Facorro |
 Photo: Juan J. Martínez |
 Photo: Jon Piorno |
 Photo: Marivi Sanz |
 Photo: Josean Prado |
 Photo: Miguel Gibert |
 Photo: IBANE OROZKO PALMERO |
 Photo: Patricia |
 Photo: Jose Angel Calvo |
 Photo: James Norton-Jones |
 Photo: tresquartsdequinze |
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The most admirating window glass |
La principal arteria de la capital Bilbao, Vizcaya 48001 Spain +34 (0)944 79 5760 (Información Turística) |
A statue of the town's founder, Don Diego Lopéz de Haro, presides over the starting point of Bilbao's Gran Vía. This road, considered the capital's main thoroughfare, still has the stately and eclectic air of the turn of the century, when the so- called "Ensanche" (development) of Bilbao got under way. Either side of the Gran Vía is ideal for strolling and contemplating the many interesting buildings dotted along its length. Between the Plaza Circular and Plaza Moyúa, Gran Vía is a shopping and financial area where buildings like the headquarters of the Banco Bilbao. There are other buildings, such as the one that houses the Stautory Deputation of Vizcaya, or that which is home to the Civil Government, (Palacio de Chávarri). On the last stretch of Gran Vía, which culminates in the monument to the Sacred Heart, another structure of great architectural beauty stands out in the shape of the Sota House. This long thorughfare, crossed daily by thousands of drivers and pedestrians, is an area of the city that, along with the Old Quarter, has a great tradition of commerce. Of the many commercial establishments to be found in Gran Vía, two in particular stand out: one is El Corte Inglés and the other the recently arrived Marks & Spencer. There are also some of the biggest names in fashion here, such as Loewe or Calvin Klein. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: cerroazulver |
 Photo: Harald Braun |
 Photo: Aitor Gametxo |
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A calm space |
Sabino Arana, 2 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48013 Spain +34 (0)944 41 1900 |
It is just where one of the main roads into and out of Bilbao begins, close to the Plaza del Sagrado Corazón. Created and designed as a sanctuary for the destitute by the architect Antonio de Goicoechea, in 1871, this immense building, was opened in 1872 by Amadeo de Saboya. The building is the fruit of a combination of neo-classical features, with the lineal layout of its facades and cupolas at its corners making for a sober appearance. There is a small and peaceful park out front. Very close to La Misericordia you'll find the Athletic Club de Bilbao's football stadium, which was built in 1913. It is called San Mamés, but is popularly known as "La Catedral" (the Cathedral). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Athletic Club de Bilbao headquarters |
Alameda Mazarredo, 23 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48009 Spain +34 (0)944 24 0877 |
Built in 1920 by Gregorio Ibarreche, the Palacio de Ibaigane houses one of the most loved and followed institutions in Vizcaya: the headquarters of the hundred-year-old Athletic Club de Bilbao. Initially intended to be the La Sota family's residence, and later to house the Vizcayan Military Government, today this building in the style of the palaces of the first Baroque, holds within its walls the secrets of the football club supported by thousands of Vizcayans. On its facade, notice the outstanding and popularly inspired architectural motifs, the main characteristics of which are the framework of exposed brick, a short-arched entrance and the gables of the many projections. The trophies hall can be visited too. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Modernist Historic-Artistic monument |
Alameda de Rekalde, 34 Bilbao 48009 Spain |
Declared an Historic-Artistic monument, this building, constructed between 1901-1904, is popularly known as "Casa de Gaudí" on account of its resemblance to the Catalan artist's work. In its striking facade, there are many bay windows on the corner of the building with ledges in carved stone and wrought iron. Its four habitable apartments are today living quarters and offices. There are other buildings in Bilbao with similar architectural features, such as the Campos Eliseos theatre and the Ricardo Bastida wash-houses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: ElCaminodeSantiago092006 |
 Photo: pablo_herranz |
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Very frequented and travelled |
Gran Via Bilbao, Vizcaya 48001 Spain |
Presided over by the statue of Don Diego López de Haro, Lord of Vizcaya and founder of Bilbao in 1300, the Plaza Circular constitutes one of the Gran Vía's end points. The buildings surrounding this much frequented and travelled through Bilbaoan square are mostly large and provide the headquarters for the main banks and other financial institutions. Among them stands out the BBVA bank skyscraper. In the entrance of this building there is a sculpture by the Basque artist, Eduardo Chillida, and next to it one of most famous fountains in Bilbao, used daily by many as a meeting place. From the Plaza Circular and going down Navarra street you will head towards the traditional Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), in the opposite direction there is the Gran Vía, the city's main thoroughfare. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jose Luis Albert |
 Photo: garcaba2 |
 Photo: Jay Kruemcke |
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In Bilbao's Gran Vía |
Gran Via Bilbao, Vizcaya 48009 Spain |
The Plaza Moyúa, also known as Plaza Elíptica, divides the Gran Vía in half. It was re-opened in 1997, though the original dates back to the 1940's. Because of the metro building works, it was dismantled in 1990 to be restored and re-opened years later respecting its original design, which was based on the formalist style of French Gardens. The low boxed hedges and great variety of flowering plants are an outstanding feature. The gardens near the central fountain, alongside their neighboring buildings—the mythic Hotel Carlton and the Civil Government headquarters, the Palacio de Chávarri are also an attractive feature. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Keeley Madison |
 Photo: Koldo Aingeru Marcos |
 Photo: happinés |
 Photo: Juan |
 Photo: Xabier Burgos |
 Photo: Klutch xls |
 Photo: damnthatarrogantdog |
 Photo: Janine Owen |
 Photo: Igor Uriz |
 Photo: david gutiérrez |
 Photo: fidocooper |
 Photo: 2en1 |
 Photo: Hugo Aristizábal |
 Photo: Luz Louzao |
 Photo: Nicole M. Gfroerer |
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In Doña Casilda Park |
Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar Bilbao, Vizcaya 48011 Spain +34 (0)944 71 0301 (Información Turística) |
To get to the Pérgola (bandstand) you have to go to the Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, or the "Duck Park" as it is commonly known. There you find an oval plaza, surrounded by columns and rose gardens. The columns are in two styles. The first is typical of the region with brick pillars decorated with Moorish Mudejar designs, and the other is the twin columned Baroque style. The city organises a lot of open-air concerts here at the Pérgola. Every weekend you can hear classical music concerts or bands that you can dance to with a partner. You can also hear a variety of music from the various contemporary bands that come to town during the Semana Grande (Big Week) festival in August, or watch the spectacular coloured fountain. If you are in town during the Bilbao International "Tropikala" Festival, come enjoy the Caribbean and African bands and take the opportunity to learn a dance step or two from a teacher. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bilbao Athletic's football ground |
Alameda Mazarredo 23 Palacio Ibaigane Bilbao, Vizcaya 48009 Spain +34 (0)944 24 0877 / +34 (0)944 24 0878 http://www.athletic-club.es/ |
Opened on 21 August 1913 in a match between the Bilbaoan team and Irún Racing, the San Mamés ground is situated in Bilbao's suburban development (Ensanche), very close to the building known as "La Feria Internacional de Muestras de Bilbao". This mythical Bilbaoan club celebrated its centenary in 1998, a celebration in which the stadium, known locally as "the Cathedral", was the main protagonist. With a capacity of 40,000, in every match of the league San Mamés seats a multitude of fans who live and breathe for the victories of their lions, as they call the players. The stadium is a technologically impressive structure whose grand arch has become one of the city's best-known symbols. En route to the San Mamés stadium the bars in Calle Licenciado Poza are essential stopping points both before and after matches, with an atmosphere well worth experiencing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Martin |
 Photo: luiszamarreno |
 Photo: gorkaotxan |
 Photo: Ian Johnson |
 Photo: Western Sahara |
 Photo: txafer |
 Photo: maldita la hora |
 Photo: remozolli |
 Photo: klaasjan |
 Photo: Huevos Muy Gordos |
 Photo: Johan Ejermark |
 Photo: Joxel Rivas |
 Photo: Antonio Luis |
 Impressive main altar |
Plaza de San Vicente, s/n Bilbao 48001 Spain |
On the site of this church, in Calle San Vicente, stood a little 16th hermitage, which was neglected for nearly two centuries. The church there now is Basque Gothic in design with very austere proportions at odds with Renaissance tendencies. The main altar is Neoclassical and the side altars are 20th century, the work of Ricardo Bastida. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Renata Palazzo |
 Photo: iker.vitoria |
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Magnificent and noble building |
Gran Via, 45 Bilbao 48011 Spain |
In Gran Vía, between Plaza Moyúa and Sagrado Corazón, is a grand structure built in 1919 and occupied by the Sota family during its early days. One striking feature this magnificent building has (an early example of luxurious residential architecture in 19th century Bilbao) is its facade, with towers, arched galleries, pronounced eaves, turrets and pinnacles. It is a clear example of the regionalist tendencies and mountain influences that are evident in its creator's earlier work, the Atxuri station. Social drawing rooms and rooms formerly designed as family quarters are today partly used to house various offices. On the ground floor of the building are several important fashion outlets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Impressive Deputation of Vizcaya building |
Gran Via, 25 Bilbao 48009 Spain |
In the stretch between Plaza Circular and Plaza Moyúa, the majestic presence of a building that today houses the Statutory Deputation of Biscay stands out. The Deputation's first headquarters was in the Plaza Nueva of the Casco Viejo (the Old Quarter's) until 1900, when it moved to its present site. Built in 1897 by the architect, Luis Aladrán, this building combines several styles, with Renaissance being the most predominant. Within the generously decorated facade, its intricate stonework is an interesting feature. In the interior, which can be visited by appointment, there are rooms decorated with frescoes by Anselmo Guinea and beautiful stained glass windows, as well as some interesting paintings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Interesting exhibits by prize-winning photographers |
Simón Bolívar, 17 Bilbao 48010 Spain +34 94 441 3523 |
The Taberna de los Mundos created the Espacio de los Mundos in September 1995, to exhibit quality photographs. The formats, supports, themes and authors are all very different. Styles have ranged from classic black and white and color photography to micro-photography and many more. Featured photographers have included prize-winning and renowned artists such as Fausto Grossi, Juan Angel Arrieta, and Erika Baraona, the official photographer of the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum. The Espacio de los Mundos also organises two or three-month long exhibits dedicated to promising new artists. But, along with these exhibits, they also organize seminars, literary conferences, slide shows and audiovisual presentations on the faraway countries visited. Review © 2007, Wcities |