Bilbao is the capital of Vizcaya
in the Basque Country, Spain. It is the most turistic city of the region which
continues constantly evolving. Today, Bilbao can be proud of having the Guggenheim Museum designed by
architect Frank Gehry, a contemporary and timeless subway system designed by
Sir Norman Foster, an airport from the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and
one community center, “La Alhóndiga”,
designed by Philippe Starck .
The Guggenheim Museum is the main
attraction of the city. This impressive museum opened its doors in 1997. Since
then, it has been hailed by audience and critics, becoming one of the most
important structures of contemporary architecture in the world.
The Old Quarter of Bilbao is
commonly known as "the 7 streets" or, in Basque "Zazpi
Kaleak" since these were the seven streets that formed the original
medieval village. Nowadays, it is still the most lively and picturesque area of
the town. The narrow streets are mostly pedestrian and full of bars offering
tasty snacks, or as they are called in Bilbao, “pintxos”, and other Basque food
and drinks.
Next to the bridge that links the
Old Town with the Ensanche, is the oldest theater in Bilbao, the Arriaga
Theatre. It was named in honor of the composer Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, known
as the "Spanish Mozart,". Although
today the Teatro Arriaga is still in use, many of the theatrical life of the
city takes place in the "Palacio Euskalduna".
"La Alhóndiga" is one
of the most representative buildings of Bilbao, it was for many years the wine
store in town. But it has recently been converted into a cultural and
entertainment center with a variety of offerings: exhibitions, concerts, films,
children's activities, gym, library, bars, restaurants, etc.
The Bilbao Metro system was
designed by architect Sir Norman Foster. It was built mainly of concrete, steel
and glas. Despite its modern appearance, it was designed in 1988. Although
during your stay in Bilbao it is possible to walk everywhere, it is advisable
to make a subway ride even if only to see it. A very good option is to use the
subway to get to the town of Getxo, where “El Puente Colgante”is. It is the
only monument of the Basque Country declarated a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Do not miss the opportunity to
visit this amazing city full of monumets, good food and good people, I assure
you it is worth it and you will no regret it
When I went to Bilbao I was surprised at how much I loked it, as I think it doesn't generally have a good reputation. I thought it was a marvellous example of a 19th industrial city with all the civic pomp and grandeur that that entails, but unlike similar British cities it wasn't ruined by utopian 1960s and 1970s urban planning.
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