Bilbao

Bilbao is a city located in the northern part of Spain, the largest in the Basque Country. It is also a seaport city that faces the Bay of Biscay and is spread out along the banks of the Nervión River, where most of its industries are concentrated.

Sights & Activities

One of the most prominent landmark in the city is the Basilica of Begoña, which is officially called the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Begoña. It is also a popular pilgrimage destination of Christians from areas around the city and the rest of the country, as well as from all over the world.
In the center of the city’s old town is the Plaza de Santiago, where the Catedral de Santiago is located. This 14th century structure is part of the route taken by pilgrims toward Santiago de Compostela. The cathedral features a Neo-Gothic façade with a tower that were both constructed in the 19th century.
At the Plaza de la Encarnacion is the Diocesano de Arte Sacro or the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art that is housed within an old convent. The establishment is a repository of religious art, liturgical costumes, artifacts with religious themes, and different artworks, including paintings, silverware, and furniture.
A similar establishment is located along the Muelle Ramón de la Sota, the Maritimo Ria de Bilbao or the Bilbao River Maritime Museum. It displays items related to the maritime history of the city as well as imparts knowledge on the role of the port in the city’s trading activities.
Those interested in the traditional entertainment of bullfighting should head out to the Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre where the Bullfighting Museum is located. Visitors are toured around the quarters of bullfighters, the bullring, the chapel, and the individual bull pens. The establishment aims to promote this sport to ensure its perpetuity.
Art lovers from all over the world come to city to visit the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao, not only to view its extensive collection of art pieces but also to admire the unique architecture of the building housing the museum. The structure is described to be of Deconstructivism style and was designed by the famed architect Frank Gehry. It was completed in 1997. Among the materials used in its construction are titanium, sandstone, and glass curtain walls. Of particular interest is the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary sculptures.
The city’s Museum of Fine Art is located at the Plaza del Museo and showcases works of European masters. It is composed of two buildings, one housing its collection of older artworks and the other containing the works of contemporary Spanish artists.
Bilbao boasts of yet another unique and interesting landmark, the Zubizuri or the Campo Volantin Bridge. This tied arch footbridge spans the Nervion River and features a steel arch and curved bridge deck suspended by steel cables.

Weather

The climate of Bilbao is described to be oceanic, with no extreme weather conditions. During its summer months, the temperature averages at 21°C. Snow often occurs during winter, usually lasting no more than three days. Autumn also ushers rain showers that occasionally causes the river to flood.