Bilbao is known all over the world for its main attraction - the incredible Guggenheim Museum. Many travel guides list this building as a must-see in Spain. But the capital of the proud and independent Basque Country is not limited to a single museum, albeit an outstanding one. There are magnificent cathedrals, charming European streets, and picturesque quarters with cozy squares.
The mysterious Basques still do not recognize themselves as Spaniards, believing that they live in a separate state. This self-awareness and identity seem to be in the air of Bilbao, making you sympathize with the central authorities sitting in Madrid. Just worth the fact that the Basque language is not similar to any other European and belongs to a completely different group.
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What to see and where to go in Bilbao?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Guggenheim Museum
The Museum of Contemporary Art, which has long become a symbol of Bilbao. The collection is housed in a grandiose deconstructivist building, built in 1997 by architect F. Gehry. Located on the waterfront, it embodies the idea of a futuristic ship. The permanent exhibition of the museum is dedicated to the 20th century, most of the exhibits are installations, abstractions and avant-garde works.
Plaza Nueva
Places like Plaza Nueva, perhaps, are in every Spanish city - the capital of the autonomous region. The square looks like a closed courtyard. An arched gallery runs along the perimeter, under the arches of which there are tables of cafes and tapas bars. On Sundays, there is a flea market where you can buy antique books, coins, stamps, posters and even birds in wooden cages.
Viscay bridge
An unusual conveyor bridge that transports passengers from one side of the river to the other using a suspended gondola. The structure was erected in 1893 by a student of the famous engineer G. Eiffel. With the help of a special elevator, passengers can go up to the platform and look at the surroundings. It is also possible to cross it on foot, but the cost of this pleasure will be much more expensive.
Campo-Volantin bridge
An arched suspension bridge that is only for pedestrians. It was erected in 1997 by the famous architect S. Calatrava. The main platform of the structure is supported by steel cables. This place is a symbol of modern Bilbao and therefore is very popular with tourists. At the same time, people recognize its impracticality - it becomes dangerous to walk on it during the rain.
Funicular Artxanda
The funicular takes tourists to the top of Mount Artxanda, where the sports complex, hotel, park and several restaurants are located. During the trip, passengers can view the panorama of Bilbao. The first funicular was built on this site in 1915. After the end of the civil war, it reopened in 1938. The mechanism was launched for the third time in 1983 after its modernization.
Basilica de Begogna
The people of Vizcaya consider the Holy Virgin Mary Begonia the patroness of all seafarers. A basilica was erected in her honor in Bilbao in the 17th century. The external appearance of the building combines Gothic and Baroque features, the interior decoration can be called elegant and luxurious. Particular attention is drawn to the gilded altarpiece, executed in the Baroque style, and the wooden statue of the Virgin Mary installed in the middle.
Cathedral of Saint James
Gothic cathedral, which was erected in 1300 even before the foundation of the city itself, at a time when there was a small village of fishermen. It was built on the route of pilgrims following one of the paths of the Way of St. James. After 1374, the building was constantly rebuilt, so it gradually acquired features of several architectural styles. The temple received the status of a cathedral only in 1950.
Church of St. Nicholas
Temple in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, erected in the 16th century. Due to the fact that the church is close enough to the river, its foundation and walls gradually collapsed due to flooding. In 1756, a new baroque church was erected, prudently installed on a solid stone plinth. Inside the temple, there is a skilfully executed altar and sculptures by the sculptor J.P. de Mena.
Art Museum
Unlike the famous Guggenheim, the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts is more traditional - it includes almost all of Spain's artistic heritage from medieval sculptures to modern pop art. It exhibits works by F. Goya, B. Murillo, El Greco, J. de Ribeira, as well as many canvases by Basque painters. The museum constantly organizes temporary exhibitions, where collections from other countries are brought.
Basque Museum
The museum was established in 1921 with the aim of preserving the Basque culture. The first exhibits appeared here thanks to gifts from individuals who donated antique furniture, clothes, family coats of arms, books and other artifacts to the museum. Today the collection numbers thousands of copies. In the museum, you can better get acquainted with the culture of the Basques, the origins of the traditions of the region, the history of the language.
Maritime museum
A modern exhibition located in the docks of the old shipyard of Euskaldun (part of it is in the open air). The museum has several thematic sections dedicated to the geography of the Bay of Biscay, flora and fauna, maritime trade and shipbuilding. Visitors will see models of ships, maps of the ocean depths, learn to knit sea knots and try themselves as a ship's captain.
Arriaga theater
The city theater, which was built several times and destroyed by fires and floods. A neo-baroque building built in the 20th century has survived to this day. Both dramatic and musical performances are staged on the stage, and bright dance shows are also held here. The theater constantly receives troupes of touring artists, come here to perform from different countries.
Alondiga
An entertainment complex created with the participation of industrial designer F. Stark. Here are restaurants, clubs, concert venues and galleries. There is even a library and a transparent-floored pool on the top floor. Once the building housed a "strategic reserve" of wine from the Basque country, today it has become a mecca for entertainment for residents and tourists.
Euskalduna's palace
The Bilbao Symphony Orchestra performs in the building. Before a separate concert hall was built, the musicians played on the stage of the Arriaga Theater. Euskalduna's Palace is a modern ship-like structure. In addition to the performance area and auditorium, there is a gallery with shops and restaurants inside. One establishment even has a Michelin star.
Provincial Council Palace of Vizcaya
The building in which the government of Vizcaya sits. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The architectural style can be attributed to neo-baroque, as the walls and facade of the building are decorated with rich decor, but, at the same time, they do not look too pretentious. You can go inside as part of an excursion group. In some months, this can only be done in the morning.
Bilbao City Hall
The building of the City Hall was erected in 1892 according to the project of E. Ernesto. And although at that time the minds of architects were firmly captured by the neoclassical style and modernism, this master remained faithful to the old and good Baroque.The City Hall turned out to be surprisingly similar to the graceful palaces of aristocrats of the 17th-18th centuries with its arched windows, a central turret and picturesque balconies of the central facade.
Concordia station
The station is located in the Ensanche area, which was built up mainly in the first half of the 19th century. The station building was erected in the Art Nouveau style in 1902 by the design of the engineer V. Gorben and the architect S. Achukarro. It is an architectural masterpiece of the so-called Belle Époque, a period of European history from the last decades of the 19th century to the outbreak of World War I.
Ribera Market
Ribera is considered one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Back in the XIV century, a street bazaar was located in its place. The shopping arcade is located in a building that stands at the very edge of the water and resembles a ship about to set sail. It sells vegetables, farm cheeses, seafood, fruits, flowers, spices and more. You can not only come here for food, but also have a delicious snack.
San Mames Stadium
The arena opened in 2013 on the site of an old stadium that existed for 100 years and all this time was considered one of the best in Europe. It is home to Athletic Bilbao Football Club. The stadium has not yet managed to be so fond of the audience as its predecessor, but fame will surely come as soon as the arena hosts any major international competitions.
Doña Casilda Iturrisar Park
Large green area located between Ensanche and Abandoibarra. The park covers an area of almost 50 thousand square meters. There is an extensive network of walking alleys, fountains, benches, and many elements of landscape design. The park is a great recreation place for residents of the surrounding areas. Tourists also visit this place, as it is only a 5-minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum.
