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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: Rhys Wynne  |
 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 |
 Photo: rp1970 |
 Photo: Lorenzo Solozabal M. |
 Photo: eliana martins |
 Photo: Jone Miskowicz |
 Photo: Margarita |
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Next to estuary |
Plaza Ernesto Erkoreka, s/n Bilbao, Vizcaya 48007 Spain +34 94 420 4200 http://www.bilbao.net/ |
Opened in 1892, the building that houses Bilbao's city council is the work of the architect Joaquin Rucoba, who also built the Arriaga Theatre. Among its principal features is a main exterior wall lavishly decorated in the Baroque style. The busts and statues adorning the place are of illustrious personages of the Bilbaon social scene. It was built upon the ruins of the old San Agustin convent. Climbing the exterior steps and entering the building, the first thing that stands out is the central staircase which meets with the most attention-grabbing spot in the town hall - the beautiful and singular Arab salon or reception area. This is a place of unusual beauty in which the main public acts take place. Located on the estuary's edge, opposite there is a bridge of the same name which crosses the estuary in the direction of Plaza Circular. Without leaving the town hall's pavement the visitor can get on to the Campo Volantín, or on to the other side of the estuary to walk along the recently opened Paseo de Urbitarte. The town hall's interior can be visited during the mornings all week at no charge. The most important features can be seen through a half hour guided tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lena Speckmann |
 Photo: izaskun gracia |
 Photo: Haritza Zubillaga |
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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 |
 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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Enormous iron bridge |
Plaza Subiko, s/n Bilbao 48990 Spain +1 34 94 480 1012 |
This huge iron bridge and transport platform bears a striking resemblence to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It links the two districts of Portugalete and Getxo by spanning the 160m of river separating them. You can take a trip on the elevator and walk along the platform 163m above the water to get some excellent views. It was built between 1890 and 1893 by architect Alberto Palacios who was also responsible for Madrid's famous Atocha station. Guides accompany visits up the elevators and it costs 500 ptas (EUR 3). The structure is an official architectural heritage site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jose Angel Morente |
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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: Andrés Basurto |
 Photo: ...te veré en el trastevere!! |
 Photo: Claudio Piccini |
 Photo: Biljana Stanivuk |
 Photo: Miguel Angel Andres Castro |
 Photo: joserrazl |
 Photo: German Alonso |
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One of most popular beaches |
Autovia de Santander Bilbao 48550 Spain |
La Arena beach is situated 21 kilometres from Bilbao in the township of Muskiz. This beach is reached by taking the main road to Santander from Bilbao, and it is considered one of the leargest expanses of sand on the Vizcayan coast. There is almost a kilometre of beach that is visited during the summer period by thousands of people. Among its facilities is a large car park with 2,500 spaces, and a children's play area, among other things. Quite near to the beach is the Petronor refinery, so that this is a landscape where beach, mountain and chimneys are juxtaposed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Medieval attraction in Muskiz |
Municipalite de San Martin Bilbao 48550 Spain |
This rural castle in the medieval military style is situated in the San Martín district of the Muskiz municipality. Surrounded by a landscape of fields and marshes, the Muñatones castle was declared an Historic-Artistic monument in 1944 and was acquired four years later by the Statutory Deputation of Vizcaya which made itself responsible for is restoration. In 1968 the palace next to it was handed over to the State to be converted into a state-run hotel. Years later the oil company Petronor acquired the properties and took responsibility for their conservation. The castle's image corresponds fundamentally with that of a medieval fortification occupied during its beginnings by the Muñatones family and later by the Salazars. Among its main features stands out the exterior wall fitted with battlements whose main purpose was defensive. Its tower, today in a state of ruin, is large and solid, with 75 metres of 3-metre-thick wall remaining. This medieval fortress in the Somorrostro valley is well worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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 |
 Photo: Stuart Smith |
 Photo: Jay |
 Photo: tokyoshawn |
 Photo: michelle leer |
 Photo: Corey Root |
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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 |
 Photo: Carlos Jurschik |
 Looking down on Bilbao |
Virgen de Begoña, 38 Bilbao 48006 Spain +1 34 94 412 6805 |
This church dominates the city from its hilltop location. It dates from the 16th century and its most outstanding feature is the Renaissance-style main entrance. The main altar is an important example of the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture. Mass: M-F 9a, 11a & 6p; Sat 10a, noon, 1p, 6p, 7p & 8p; Sun 10a, noon, 6p &8p. No tourist visits allowed during mass. Mass is celebrated in the Basque language at 7p on Sat and at 10a on Sun. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alberto Alvarez-Pere |
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First evidence of rock painting |
de Bilbao Bilbao 48315 Spain |
Near the town of Gernika and 37 kilometres from Bilbao, you'll find a piece of history belonging to the Magdalenian age, dating back some 13,000 years. The Caves of Santimamiñe near the Basque sculptor Ibarrola's famous Painted Wood, are situated in the western vertical of Mount Ereñusaña and were discovered by a group of children in 1917. Considered the most important example of rock painting in the Basque Country, it demonstrates a human presence during the oldest phase of conventional periodization. The majority of the discoveries in these caves belongs to the Magdalenian period, and the pictures are mainly of animals such as the bison and implements made out of bone which are decorated with simple line combinations. They are perfectly preserved and can be seen free of charge and with a guide throughout the week. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Great national prestige |
Martín Agüero, 1 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48012 Spain +34 (0)944 44 8698 http://www.plazatorosbilbao.com/ |
This large bullring that can hold 15,000 spectators was designed by the architect Luis Maria Gana in 1962. It burned down in 1961 and afterwards was completely restored to the arena we see today. Clearly neo-Mudejar in style, the arena begins its season in March and ends at the end of September or beginning of October. Notorious for being very demanding with its bullfighters and animals, the Plaza reaches its climax during the Semana Grande, Bilboan fiestas, when the best fighters and best-bred bulls in Spain make for a magnificent spectacle that, enthralls the huge public that fills the plaza each day. Inside the arena there is also a museum, Museo Taurino, which has an impressive collection of costumes, bullfighters' weapons and artefacts and posters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: gigioronda |