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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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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 |
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 Photo: Noemí García |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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 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 |
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 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 |
 A 20th-century classic |
Plaza Moyua, 2 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48009 Spain +34 94 416 2200 http://www.aranzazu-hoteles.com/ |
A refined and elegant hotel whose bedrooms are furnished in an austere old-fashioned style while the bathrooms are thoroughly modern. One of its special features is the beautiful foyer that receives natural light from artistically designed oval-shaped windows. The overall Beaux Arts theme of interior decor is complemented by classical columns, antique lamps and oriental rugs in the public rooms. It's located in Plaza Moyua in the city's financial and business centre. It's a landmark building that the Basque Goverment has classified as an architectural, historic and cultural monument. The first leader of the Basque Country along with famous figures like Federico Garcia Lorca, Albert Einstein and Alfonso XIII have all stayed here. Check their website for special rates. Prices do not include 7% VAT. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mitch Altman |
 Photo: Rob Norwood |
 Photo: Bertrand MERIGAUD |
 Photo: Felipe Rodriguez Mar |
 Photo: catepol |
 Photo: # MaRY # |
 Photo: Marcos Glez. Troyas |
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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 |
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 Photo: Juan |
 Photo: Xabier Burgos |
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 Photo: damnthatarrogantdog |
 Photo: Janine Owen |
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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 |
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 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 |