The largest city of the Basque province, Bilbao is maybe one of the most exquisite examples of European civilization. Home to more than half of the Basque population, it is one big tourist attraction of modern Spain. Founded opposite a fishing settlement, Bilbao starts its history in the 14th century with Don Diego Lopez, Lord of Biscay. There are plenty of museum, cathedrals and modern cultural sights that make the reputation of ultra-modern while yet traditional city of Bilbao.
Let’s start a short sightseeing guide tour at the Guggenheim Museum, a true titan and probably the greatest attraction of Bilbao. Far from being an encyclopedic museum, you will be delighted to see some of Picasso’s paintings in here, together with collections belonging to ultra-modern artists of the 21st century. Many of the canvasses on display are lent by the Guggenheim Museums of Venice and New York. So there is always something new to see.
Museo de Belles Artes may be the next on your sightseeing tour, as unlike Guggenheim Museum, it also features medieval works of art together with modern ones. There are works by Velazquez, Goya, Zurbaran and El Greco. The modern section of the museum includes paintings by Picasso, Gauguin or Sorolla. Tourists are very often overwhelmed by the uniqueness of the collections and the large number of works on display. There are two words that best describe it: culturally exquisite!
A Basilica with a wonder history is Basilica de Bergona, built on a spot where our Virgin Mary was supposed to have made an appearance in the early 1519. Nowadays, this unique architectural masterpiece is accessible by the elevator from the neighbouring Calle Esperanza. Altitude seems to be a common feature in sights in Bilbao. For instance, the Hanging Bridge is one great example of modern architecture. It is situated in near the Nervion estuary and it helps pedestrians pass from one side to the other of the city.
A Spanish national treasure, the Cathedral de Santiago is the soul of Bilbao, and the oldest building in the city. Once the centre of Bilbao, all streets led to it. Part of the great pilgrim way, better known as El Camino de Santiago, the Santiago Cathedral has been a sacred place of European Christianity ever since the Middle Ages. Nowadays, the building boasts with one of the most exquisite Neo-Gothic towers.
Now let’s see what the hungry tourist may enjoy out in Bilbao. There are traditional restaurants providing a variety of food choices. Very few of them require official dress, usually, guests are welcome in the most casual of attires. You will find that people feel so much like home that it doesn’t matter very much to them whether they use cutlery or their fingers to eat in restaurants and bars. Feel at home, that’s the motto!
Don’t worry about menus and really understanding what the dishes are like, choose your food on the spur of the moment or ask the waiter to recommend the house specialty, you won’t be sorry. Later in the evening, you may wish to try the tempting offer of modern pubs, go out for a drink and see some live shows. Be ready for surprises, as Bilbao pub owners make all sorts of innovations to better satisfy their customers’ expectations. You’re on holiday and the keyword is fun! Don’t forget that!