Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 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 |
|
Thousands of books to consult |
Bidebarrieta, 4 Bilbao 48005 Spain |
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 |
|
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 |
 |
Bilbao Spain |
We've arrived in District 5, the Casco Viejo. It's clear how one spends the time in this lively neighborhood -- eating or drinking (or both) in one of the numerous establishments, listening to the street musicians, and doing a bit of shopping. But before diving into the sensual delights of the Casco Viejo there's a few other things you could see, such as the Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: big.eckzemos |
 Photo: ©Jackie Caradonio |
 Photo: naomii14 |
 Photo: bertol |
 Photo: Christian Gonzalez |
 Photo: Beth Carmichael |
 Photo: BloOwITt |
 Photo: Laura Dubois |
 Photo: Francesco Pignatelli |
 Photo: Fragil |
 Photo: Ignaz Wanders |
 Photo: Asier de la Fuente |
 Photo: Bailey Hopple |
 Photo: Boyd Eagleson |
 Photo: Marcela Gargiulo |
 Photo: Alexander Skalomenos |
 Photo: A. Beade |
 Photo: cstead99 |
 Photo: ramezqui |
 Photo: Steve Robinson |
 Photo: Álvaro Valiño |
 Photo: macosluky |
 Photo: Raul Arrieta |
 Photo: elcazuelo |
 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 |
 Photo: Stuart Frost |
|
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 |
 A look at Basque Country's roots |
Cruz,4 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain +34 94 415 5423 http://www.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 |
|
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 |
 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 |
|
On foot through the city |
Cerca Plaza de Unamun Bilbao, Vizcaya 48006 Spain +34 944 71 0301 (Informacion Turistica) |
Setting out from Plaza de Unamuno, begin the climb to the Begoña basilica through the paved streets of Mallona (Las Calzadas de Mallona). These are an essential part of the Day of the Virgin celebration (15 August) when thousands of people visit the shrine of this basilica. Begin the walk through these famous streets through which in bygone days marched a civic procession every May 2nd in order to commemorate the deaths of those who fell defending the town during the Siege of Bilbao. During the Carlist wars Bilbao was under siege and General Concha overthrew the siege on May 2. At the summit of Las Calzadas, the gate of what was Bilbao's cemetery in the nineteenth century still stands today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: paul_m |
|
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 |
|
A focal point in Bilbao |
Near Sombrereria Street Bilbao 48005 Spain + 34 944 70 1301 |
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 |
|
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 |
 Photo: Maria Martinez |
|
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 |
|
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 |